IB Biology Resources
Our IB Biology resources include core resources: videos, notes, definitions, flashcards, questions, cram sheets, and tests. We also have a range of useful resources: syllabi, exam breakdown, IA resources, and command terms.
IB Biology Core Resources
Videos
Understand every concept with concise animated videos, created by experts in their field.
Notes
Learn properly with notes, curated by international teachers, including formulae, tables, and diagrams.
Definitions
Familiarise yourself with exam definitions for common and complex terms.
Flashcards
Memorise quickly with succinct flashcards, built with student-focused features: review, shuffle, and reverse.
Questions
Practice effectively with MC, short-answer, and multi-part exam questions, all with detailed mark schemes.
Cram Sheets
Maximise your revision during exam periods with condensed sub-topic notes.
Topic Tests
Attempt pre-built tests using questions seen nowhere else on the site.
Mock Exams
Generate a random exam-style paper using questions from across the site.
Test Builder
Create a custom test from your choice of subtopics and difficulties.
IB Biology Useful Resources
Syllabus Checklist
Keep track of your syllabus progress for each topic and sync it site-wide.
Exam Breakdown
Familiarise yourself with the IB exam timings to keep pace on the day.
IA Examples
Learn the secrets of the IA with examiner-marked Internal Assessments.
IA Criteria
Understand how to achieve a 7 in your IA by reviewing the IB marking rubric.
Command Terms
Review specific terms used by examiners to ensure you interpret questions correctly.
Test Taker
Take a custom test or mock exam for the IB syllabus.
IB Biology Course Structure & Content
The IB biology course is divided into Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), with both levels offering a rich exploration of biology through theoretical and practical components. The curriculum is organized around a core syllabus, organised into 4 topics. HL students cover additional detail within the topics as well as an “option” topic in their second year.
The core biology syllabus encompasses a broad range of topics: Molecules & Metabolism, Cells & Signalling, Organisms, and Ecosystems. HL IB biology students explore these topics in greater depth. In total SL students study 4 topics and HL students are the same. HL biology students are then able to choose one of 4 option topics to study, taken as a separate exam: Neurobiology and Behaviour, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ecology and Conservation, and Human Physiology. This decision is commonly elected by the class teacher, but students have the freedom to choose to answer any section in the exam.
The core biology syllabus encompasses a broad range of topics: Molecules & Metabolism, Cells & Signalling, Organisms, and Ecosystems. HL IB biology students explore these topics in greater depth. In total SL students study 4 topics and HL students are the same. HL biology students are then able to choose one of 4 option topics to study, taken as a separate exam: Neurobiology and Behaviour, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ecology and Conservation, and Human Physiology. This decision is commonly elected by the class teacher, but students have the freedom to choose to answer any section in the exam.
IB Biology Coursework & Exams
During their period of study, biology students undertake an individual investigation called the Internal Assessment (IA). Students create an original research question with the assistance of their teacher and proceed to investigate and produce a 20-page report, including an introduction, methodology, analysis, and conclusion. It contributes 20% of the final IB biology grade.
The final assessment for IB biology consists of 3 external examinations. The exams are: Paper 1 (multiple-choice questions), Paper 2 (short answer and extended response), and Paper 3 (options and data-based questions). SL biology students have fewer questions in Paper 1 and a shorter Paper 2 compared to HL biology students.
The final assessment for IB biology consists of 3 external examinations. The exams are: Paper 1 (multiple-choice questions), Paper 2 (short answer and extended response), and Paper 3 (options and data-based questions). SL biology students have fewer questions in Paper 1 and a shorter Paper 2 compared to HL biology students.
IB Biology Tips For Success
- Start Early: The IB biology course includes many topics, each with a great deal of content. Unlike most prior education to the IB, you can’t leave things until last minute. It is vital you have reliable resources from the get-go.
- Understand Core Concepts: Focus on understanding the fundamental principles and concepts rather than memorizing endless facts. Our videos aim to ensure you can grasp the IB content early in your biology course.
- Reinforce Regularly: Ensuring you review your IB biology knowledge regularly is important to solidify long-term memory. Utilise a range of resources such as notes, flashcards, questions, cram sheets, and tests. Out site contains all these resources, fully aligned, in one place.
- Analyse Your Performance: Reflecting on your progress is key to driving success in IB biology. Tiber Tutor offers the most comprehensive and advanced analytics dashboard to hone study efforts to target your weakest areas.
- Stay Organised: Develop a study schedule that allocates time for each biology topic, ensuring you cover the entire syllabus well before the IB exams. Using a Syllabus checklist can give you a clear overview of your areas to cover, just like the one built into the Tiber Tutor site.
- Engage: The IB is a time to make friends and enjoy life outside of your biology studies. However, don't get distracted in lessons or disregard your IA. There is lots to cover and you need to stay focused!
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