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Exploring the Changes in the New IB Biology 2023 Syllabus

Everything you need to know

Written by Anzhelika Tauber, MSc

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is known for its rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, and the biology course is no exception. With the upcoming changes in the IB Biology syllabus set to be implemented in 2023, it’s important for students, teachers, and parents to understand what to expect and how to prepare for the new syllabus. This article will provide an overview of the key changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus, including modifications to the examination and assessment structure, as well as offer advice on how to navigate these changes effectively.

Explore the key changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus and learn how to navigate these changes effectively.

Table of Contents

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Overview of the New Course

The new IB Biology 2023 syllabus aims to reflect societal changes and place a greater emphasis on skills and the interconnectedness of concepts, contexts, and content. The curriculum is organized around four broad organizing themes, each consisting of two concepts, and covers four levels of organization. This approach encourages conceptual learning and deep understanding while reducing the overall content volume.

Here is the link to the complete description of the new IB Biology course.

Conceptual Learning and Skill Development

The new biology course places a greater focus on conceptual learning by reducing content and emphasizing the underlying concepts that drive biological understanding. The goal is to develop students’ abilities to connect factual, procedural, and metacognitive knowledge and apply them to new or different contexts. Additionally, there is a stronger emphasis on skill development, with the inclusion of a section on “Skills in the study of biology.” These skills encompass various aspects, including inquiry skills and techniques appropriate for this level of study.

    Nature of Science

    Nature of Science (NOS) is an overarching theme in the DP biology course. It explores conceptual understandings related to the purpose, features, and impact of scientific knowledge. By analyzing, discussing, challenging, and refining their understanding of scientific ideas and concepts, students develop scientific literacy, gain access to biology course content, and enhance their overall learning experience.

    Content changes

    In the new IB Biology 2023 syllabus, there have been modifications to the content, including the inclusion of new topics and the exclusion of certain topics. These changes were made to streamline the curriculum and ensure that students receive a comprehensive and relevant education in Biology. Here are the key alterations:

    Included Topics:

    • Last Universal Common Ancestor: The new syllabus introduces the topic of the Last Universal Common Ancestor (A2.1.7). This concept delves into the study of the common ancestry of all life on Earth and the evolutionary relationships between different organisms.
    • Viral Structure and Diversity: The syllabus now covers the structural features common to viruses (A2.3.1) and the diversity of structure in viruses (A2.3.2). These topics provide insight into the fascinating world of viruses and their impact on living organisms.
    • Triglycerides and Adipose Tissues: The new syllabus incorporates the study of triglycerides in adipose tissues for energy storage and thermal insulation (B1.1.11). This topic explores the role of adipose tissues in storing energy in the form of triglycerides and their contribution to thermal regulation in organisms.
    • Stem Cell Niches: Students will now learn about stem cell niches (B2.3.3). This topic focuses on the microenvironments in which stem cells reside and the factors that influence their behavior and differentiation.
    • Adaptations for Swimming in Marine Mammals: The new syllabus includes the study of adaptations for swimming in marine mammals (B3.3.10). This topic explores the anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations that enable marine mammals to thrive in aquatic environments.
    • Mechanism-Based Inhibition and Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Experiments: The syllabus covers mechanism-based inhibition by irreversible binding of an inhibitor (C1.1.17) and carbon dioxide enrichment experiments (C1.3.8). These topics delve into the mechanisms of enzyme inhibition and the effects of elevated carbon dioxide levels on biological systems.
    • Consciousness in Relation to Anesthetics: The new syllabus incorporates the study of consciousness in relation to anesthetics (C2.2.16). This topic explores the effects of anesthetics on consciousness and the mechanisms underlying anesthesia.
    • Zoonoses: The syllabus now includes the study of zoonoses (C3.2.15). This topic focuses on diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans and explores the factors contributing to their emergence and spread.
    • CRISPR Sequences and Cas9 in Gene Editing: Students will now learn about the use of CRISPR sequences and the enzyme Cas9 in gene editing (D1.3.9). This topic delves into the revolutionary gene editing technology and its potential applications in various fields.
    • Monozygotic Twin Studies and Increases in Insect Life Cycles: The new syllabus covers monozygotic twin studies (D2.2.10) and the increases in the number of insect life cycles within a year due to climate change (D4.3.11). These topics explore the fascinating aspects of genetics and the impact of environmental changes on species.

    Excluded Topics:

    While new topics have been added, some topics have been removed from the IB Biology 2023 syllabus. These include specific option topics such as neurobiology and behavior, biotechnology and informatics, ecology and conservation, and human physiology. However, certain aspects of these option topics have been incorporated into the SL and HL courses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of relevant concepts.

    These changes in the content of the IB Biology course reflect a strategic effort to refine and update the curriculum, providing students with a well-rounded education in Biology that aligns with current scientific knowledge and developments.

    Examination and Assessment Changes

    The IB Biology 2023 syllabus introduces changes to the assessment model, both in external examinations and internal assessment.

    External Assessment

    Students will now sit only two external examinations. Paper 1A includes multiple-choice questions based on the syllabus, while Paper 1B consists of data-based questions that address all themes. Paper 2A includes data-based questions from unfamiliar contexts and short-answer questions. Paper 2B focuses on extended-response questions that require a holistic understanding of a wide range of syllabus content, skills, concepts, and understandings.

    More details about the new examination format can be found here.

    Internal Assessment

    The internal assessment, now called “The scientific investigation,” offers students the opportunity to collaborate and work in small groups. Students can share similar methodologies as long as their independent or dependent variables differ, and the data collected is unique to each student. Each student must submit an individual report, with a maximum word count of 3,000 words. The revised assessment criteria place a greater emphasis on higher-order thinking skills, with 50% of the marks allocated for Conclusion and Evaluation.

    Preparing for the New Syllabus

    To prepare for the changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus, students, teachers, and parents can follow these recommendations:

    • Familiarize yourself with the new syllabus: Take the time to thoroughly read and understand the updated syllabus document. Pay attention to the changes in content, themes, and assessment criteria.
    • Develop conceptual understanding: Focus on understanding the underlying concepts and connections between topics. Instead of memorizing facts, aim to grasp the broader principles and apply them to various contexts.
    • Enhance inquiry skills: Develop your skills in experimental design, data analysis, and drawing conclusions. Practice critical thinking and problem-solving to strengthen your scientific inquiry abilities.
    • Collaborate and seek support: Take advantage of the opportunities for collaboration and group work in the scientific investigation. Engage with your peers and teachers to share ideas, methodologies, and insights.
    • Stay updated with resources: Keep track of reliable resources, textbooks, and online materials that align with the new syllabus. Stay informed about any additional guidance or support provided by the IB program.
    • Practice past papers: Utilize past examination papers to familiarize yourself with the new examination format and the types of questions that may be asked. Practice time management and develop strategies for answering different question styles.
    • Seek guidance from teachers: Consult with your biology teachers for guidance, clarification, and additional resources. They can provide valuable insights into the changes and offer support tailored to your individual needs.

    By following these recommendations and adapting your study approach, you can effectively navigate the changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus and maximize your learning experience.

    Conclusion

    The upcoming changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus bring about a shift towards conceptual learning, skill development, and a deeper understanding of biology. While these changes may initially seem challenging, they aim to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to excel in the field of biology. By embracing these changes and following the recommended strategies for preparation, students can confidently adapt to the new syllabus and succeed in their IB Biology studies.

    About the Author

    About the Author

    Anzhelika is a PhD candidate in Genetics and a marketing consultant at U4Success from Vienna, Austria. She leads our website and social media content strategy.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

    What are the major changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus?

    The major changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus include a reduction in content, a focus on conceptual learning, an emphasis on skill development, changes in the examination structure, and modifications to the internal assessment, allowing collaboration and group work.

    Will the Biology content be entirely new in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus?

    No, much of the Biology content remains familiar, but the new syllabus aims to reduce the content volume and emphasize the underlying concepts for a deeper understanding.

    What are the changes in the IB Biology 2023 external assessments?

    The external assessments now consist of two papers, each with specific question types. The option topics have been removed, and some of the content has been incorporated into the SL and HL courses.

    What are the changes in the IB Biology 2023 internal assessment?

    The internal assessment, renamed “The scientific investigation,” allows students to collaborate and work in small groups. They can share methodologies, as long as their variables differ, and each student must submit an individual report.

    How has the volume of content changed in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus?

    The new syllabus aims to reduce the volume of content by approximately 5%. The option topics have been removed, which reduces the content by 15 hours (SL) and 25 hours (HL).

    Are the changes intended to make teaching Biology more engaging?

    Yes, the changes in the IB Biology 2023 syllabus aim to provide teachers with more flexibility and options for engaging and innovative teaching approaches.