1. Welcome to IBDP Biology – Year 1
Teacher: Kari Brown

2. What is IBDP Biology?
Biology is the scientific study of the interactions that take place within and between living organisms and their environment.
This class will be taken through grades 11 and 12 and may result in college credit.
Our studies will involve laboratory activities both in the classroom and outside in the elements.

3. IBDP Biology Course Content
Core Topics for
SL and HL
Hours
Additional Topics for HL
1: Cell Biology
2: Molecular Biology
3: Genetics
4: Ecology
5: Evolution and
Biodiversity
6: Human Physiology 15 21 12 20
7: Nucleic Acids
8: Metabolism, Cell
Respiration &
Photosynthesis
9: Plant Biology
10: Genetics and Evolution
11: Animal Physiology 9 14 13 8 16
Extended Study Options - SL
Extended Study Options - HL
A, B, C or D (only 1) 25
Practical Work 40 60
Minimum Teaching Hours
150
240

4. Expectations My expectations of you include:
Maintain the IB learner profile and follow the policies as set forth by AISG
Academic Honesty
Electronic Devices
If you are unsure, ask. If you need help, ask.*
Maintain safe lab procedures.
Respect yourself, respect others, respect our space, and maintain a positive attitude.
In IBDP Bio, I expect a high level of commitment to the course and the learning process
What are your expectations of me?

5. IBDP Biology Guide Sections to be aware of:
Aims and objectives
Command terms****
Assessment outline
Clarifications of the IA criteria
Syllabus
Core
AHL
Options (You will complete 1)
You will have a quiz in the next 2 weeks on the above items and how to use your syllabus.

6. How to be successful in DP Biology
Use your syllabus to guide your study (on Moodle)
Your books and notes are references to give you the required information
If you need help, ask early and often
I am available during free periods and after school. We can schedule a time that works for both of us for one on one support or you can come in a group.
Make sure you turn all assignments in on time.
Loss of free periods will occur.
Falling behind will impact your understanding and your grade.
Make sure all assignments are completed with Academic Honesty in mind.
Failure to be academically honest in the DP may result in the loss of your IB diploma.

7. How to be successful in DP Biology
Practice good study habits
‘No homework’ does not mean no homework in the DP. Review material every night (short bursts). Daily preparation will give you the time you need to process the information and ask questions during class if needed.
Read relevant topics in the textbook if needed
Use your study periods
Don’t be afraid to take a short break, but be mindful of time management
We will have (UN)ANNOUNCED quizzes every 2-3 weeks to make sure you are keeping up with your studies.
Large vocabulary component as well as an essay question related to the concepts.

8. Class Norms
Turnitin will be used for all internal assessments and written pieces
Printed versions of some assignments may be required. These will be turned in to the appropriate basket.
Moodle will hold files related to the class
Phones and other electronic devices will be turned in to me during any quizzes or tests
Computers will not be allowed during class unless I give permission for a specific assignment

9. Questions?
Concerns? Issues?

10. Answer in Your Notebooks
Why did you choose biology as a DP subject?
Favorite topic or activity for biology or a science class in the past
The thing that was most difficult to learn or do in a biology or science class in the past.
What are you looking forward to doing or learning in DP Biology?
What do you think will be most challenging for you in DP Biology?
How could you address those expected challenges?

11. Goal Setting
Set realistic and attainable goals for yourself in this class.
Consider grades:
What grade do you want to achieve by the end of year 1? IB Exam?
Consider study habits:
How often and how much time do you think you should devote to studying for this class?
Set one other personal goal for your year
Anything (Academic or not)