IB Biology HL/SL Online Tutoring
Learn the syllabus, assessment style & exam format with structured guidance.
Study with expert IB DP Examiners to aim for a perfect 7/7!
Why Riforma is the Top Choice for IB Biology Tuition – HL & SL?
75%
Of Riforma Students Students got 6+/7 in IB DP Biology
70%
Improved their IB DP Biology score by 1 point or more
10+
Certified IB DP Biology Examiners and Tutors
93%
See grade improvements within 2 months
What is IBDP Biology? Why Study it?
The IB DP Biology course, part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme’s Group 4 (Experimental Sciences), explores key areas such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology, with deeper analysis at the Higher Level (HL).
The course helps students build a strong foundation in scientific concepts, critical thinking, and practical lab skills through data-driven inquiry and experimentation. It is ideal for learners interested in medicine, biotechnology, environmental science, or life sciences, offering valuable preparation for university-level study.
By studying IB Biology, students gain a holistic understanding of biological systems and the ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world and global challenges.
Your performance in the IB Biology – HL & SL course plays a crucial role in shaping your university admissions prospects. Learn from certified IB Biology Examiners to master key concepts, refine your lab and analytical skills, and aim confidently for a perfect 7/7 score.
IB DP Biology Syllabus: Topics + Overview
Dive into the comprehensive curriculum of IB DP Biology, meticulously designed for students seeking a deep understanding of the natural world through scientific enquiry. The course is offered at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), with the IB recommending around 150 teaching hours for SL and 240 teaching hours for HL. Students study core themes including cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and human physiology, with added depth at HL.
Theme | Included in | Recommended Learning Hours (approx.) | Subtopics (SL & HL) | Additional Subtopics (HL Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unity & Diversity | SL & HL | 33 | Water, nucleic acids, cell structure, diversity of organisms, evolution and speciation, conservation of biodiversity. | Origins of cells, viruses, classification and cladistics. |
Form & Function | SL & HL | 33 | Carbohydrates and lipids, proteins, membranes and membrane transport, organelles and compartmentalization, cell specialization, gas exchange, transport, adaptation to environment, ecological niches. | Muscle and motility, chemical signaling. |
Interaction & Interdependence | SL & HL | 33 | Enzymes and metabolism, cell respiration, photosynthesis, neural signaling, integration of body systems, defense against disease, populations and communities, transfer of energy and matter. | Chemical signaling. |
Continuity & Change | SL & HL | 33 | DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations and gene editing, cell and nuclear division, water potential, reproduction, inheritance, homeostasis, natural selection, sustainability and climate change. | Gene expression. |
IB DP Biology Exams and Past Papers: Overview
Paper 1
Relevant for both SL and HL
20% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Time Allotted
Standard Level (SL) – 1 hour 15 minutes
Higher Level (HL) – 1 hours 15 minutes
Format
Paper 1 consists entirely of multiple-choice questions:
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30 questions for Standard Level (SL)
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40 questions for Higher Level (HL)
Students answer directly on the question paper. No calculators are permitted.
Content
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Covers the entire Biology syllabus, including all core topics for SL and both core and additional higher-level topics for HL.
Questions assess factual knowledge, understanding of scientific concepts, and application to experimental or real-world scenarios.
Example Question - Genetics
What is the probability that two heterozygous parents (Bb) will produce a homozygous recessive (bb) offspring?
(a) 0% (b) 25% (c) 50% (d) 75%
Paper 3
For both SL and HL
20% of SL Final Exam Grade
24% of HL Final Exam Grade
Time Allotted
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Standard Level (SL): 1 hour (60 minutes)
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Higher Level (HL): 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes)
Format
Paper 3 is divided into two sections:
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Section A: Data-based and short-answer questions on experimental work from the core (and AHL topics for HL).
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Section B: Short-answer and extended-response questions from the option topics chosen by the school.
Calculators are allowed.
Content
Assesses both theoretical understanding and practical application, emphasizing data analysis, experimental design, and the scientific method. Students are expected to interpret real experimental data and apply their knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios.
Example Question – Ecology
Describe how biotic and abiotic factors influence the distribution of plant species within an ecosystem.
Paper 2
For both SL and HL
40% of SL Final Exam Grade
36% of HL Final Exam Grade
Time Allotted
-
Standard Level (SL): 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes)
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Higher Level (HL): 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes)
Format
Paper 2 features short-answer and extended-response questions based on the syllabus.
SL covers core topics, while HL includes both core and Additional Higher Level material.
Calculators are allowed.
Content
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SL: Focuses on the core topics—cell biology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and human physiology.
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HL: Covers both core and AHL topics, demanding deeper understanding, application, and synthesis of concepts.
Example Question - Photosynthesis
Explain how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis and describe one way this relationship can be investigated experimentally.
Internal Assessment (IA)
For both SL and HL
20% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Time Allotted
-
Completed over the course duration (not a timed exam)
Format
The IA scientific investigation is an independent, open-ended research project where students design and carry out an experiment to answer a self-formulated research question.
Findings are presented in a written report demonstrating data collection, analysis, evaluation, and scientific reasoning.
Content
Assesses research design, data handling, and critical evaluation of results.
Submission requirement: Approximately 2,200 words (not exceeding 3,000 words as per IB guidelines).
Example Topic – Enzyme activity
How does temperature affect the rate of catalase activity in different plant tissues?
Is IB Biology Difficult?
IBDP Biology is known for its depth and rigor, but with consistent effort and effective study habits, it’s highly manageable. At both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), students who build on a strong foundation in general biology typically perform well. The HL course demands greater analytical depth and the ability to apply complex scientific concepts, making prior exposure to advanced science helpful. Success in IB Biology relies on mastering key terminology, understanding how systems interconnect, and linking biological processes to real-world applications through data analysis and experimental examples.
Tips for IB Biology Success from Riforma’s Expert IB Biology Tutors
Master Core Concepts Early
Build a solid understanding of fundamental topics like cell biology, genetics, and ecology—these form the base for all higher-level concepts.
Practice Data-Based Questions
Regularly work on past papers and data-analysis questions to strengthen interpretation skills for Papers 2 and 3.
Connect Theory with Experiments
Relate each topic to real-world experiments to strengthen understanding and support your Internal Assessment.
Use Visual Learning Techniques
Create flowcharts, diagrams, and mind maps to simplify complex biological processes and improve memory retention.
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