About this course

Biology International Baccalaureate Course Overview

Biology is a source of constant wonder and discovery, a thought-provoking field that seeks to understand life itself from the micro to the macro. Biology sits at the nexus between the growing demands we put on our planet and our desire for constant growth and progress.

Students studying this course gain insight into humanity, other species and the environment we share, through topics that range from cell biology and genetics to ecology and evolution.

DP Biology students come to understand this and interrogate how biologists work and communicate, including the scientific method and experimental work that is so central to the sciences. Students on the course will design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results and evaluate their findings, working effectively with peers to do so.

As with other DP science courses, the theme of the nature of science is fundamental. The DP Biology course aims to enable students to appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context whilst acquiring and using a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterise science and technology. The value of effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities is emphasised alongside experimental and investigative scientific skills. Equally, wider considerations such as the ethics of scientific study, the role of science globally, its interplay with other subject disciplines and its limitations are of great import on the DP Biology course.

Students also undertake the collaborative sciences project. This extends the development of scientific communication in a collaborative and interdisciplinary context, allowing students to work together beyond the confines of one specific syllabus.

Core

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Genetics
  • Ecology
  • Evolution and biodiversity
  • Human physiology

      The course consists of externally assessed examinations and an internally assessed portfolio. King’s InterHigh will provide guidance on where to sit the external exams, which are taken at the end of the two-year programme.

      Scientific Investigation and a single piece of work.

      • Paper 1: Paper 1A: MCQs and Paper 1B: data-based questions.
      • Paper 2: Data-based, short answer and extended response questions
      Standard Level

      “Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections in human tissues because of differences in cell structure between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

      • Distinguish between the structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
      • Evaluate the drug tests that Florey and Chain carried out on penicillin.
      • Explain the reasons for the ineffectiveness of antibiotics in the treatment of viral diseases.” (Paper 2)

      The company BASF produces a genetically modified potato called Amflora. Outline the purpose of modifying the potato.” (Paper 3)

      Higher Level

      Membrane proteins of mice cells were marked with green and membrane proteins of human cells were marked with red. The cells were fused together. What would be seen after two hours?” (Paper 1)

      Brain death is a clinical diagnosis based on the absence of neurological function, with a known irreversible cause of coma.

      • Explain a named method to assess brain damage.
      • Distinguish between a reflex arc and other responses by the nervous system.
      • Describe the events that occur in the nervous system when something very hot is touched.” (Paper 3)

      Learning IB Biology online allows students to enjoy:

      • Virtual Reality (VR) learning opportunities to immerse student in diagrams, models and other subject matter.
      • High academic standards and levels of support.
      • Positive learning culture and systems for communication.
      • Live, responsive teaching and feedback in small classes.
      • 24/7 access to course resources and lessons, recorded and catalogued.
      • A flexible, international, high energy learning experience.
      • Experienced, subject specialist teachers to both Standard and Higher level.
      Key information
      course details icon
      International Baccalaureate
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      Online, real-time classrooms, 24/7 access to curriculum
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      September
      About our fees

      We have several fee packages and options, with differing levels of commitment to suit most circumstances. In most cases parents have the option to pay in instalments, spreading the cost of the investment.

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      What's next?

      Join our school at any time

      Enrol today, and join lessons within days!

      King’s InterHigh is open for enrolment all year round. We kickstart each student’s online learning experience with a welcoming induction process to make the transition smooth.

      VAT charges explained

      The UK Government has implemented a policy to charge VAT on independent schools taking effect from the 1st of January 2025. This VAT charge is payable by families who are based in, or access, King’s InterHigh from the UK. This change does not impact families who are based outside the UK and access King’s InterHigh from another country.

      We understand the significant financial commitment you make in choosing our online school as well as how important it is to be able to financially plan. After careful review of the details of the legislation, we will support parents by absorbing costs ourselves, so that a slower phasing in of this unwelcome change reduces its financial impact on families.

      For the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year (starting September 2024), Inspired Education Group will absorb much of the 20% VAT charge. For the Spring and Summer terms when the 20% VAT will now apply, we will only pass on 8.5% to families, taking up the difference ourselves.

      To further support families with the financial implications of this change in government policy, for the 2025-2026 academic year (starting in September 2025) there will be no inflationary tuition fee increases, and that Inspired Education Group will continue to absorb costs to limit the increase to 8.5% for that academic year. Overall, this will mean we have phased in 17% of the 20% VAT cost over two years to avoid sudden increases for families and have not increased tuition fees.

      King’s InterHigh is committed to offering competitive fees and accessible, high-quality independent education, along with the unique benefits of online learning. We are pleased that through careful cost control and the benefits of being part of Inspired, the leading global group of premium schools, we can significantly reduce the financial effect on families due to this change in UK VAT policy.

      Technology integration fee

      At Inspired, we are committed to investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning and development, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future. This fee will contribute to the development of our Inspired AI tools and our investment in best-in-class learning technology.