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Wyatt's Notes — IB

IB Biology

IB Biology

Complete revision notes for IB Biology, covering the full syllabus with worked examples, common pitfalls, and exam-style problems.

Core Topics

Cell and Molecular Biology

  • Cell Biology — Cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, membrane structure, organelles, and cell division
  • Molecular Biology — Water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation
  • Metabolism and Cell Biology — Enzyme kinetics (Michaelis-Menten, inhibition), cellular respiration, photosynthesis, ATP, metabolic pathways, fermentation

Genetics

  • Genetics — Meiosis, Mendelian genetics, inheritance patterns, gene expression, mutations, biotechnology, PCR, and genetic modification
  • Genetics Advanced — DNA replication detail, transcription and gene regulation, translation mechanics, operons, epigenetics, genetic engineering, PCR, gel electrophoresis, chi-squared tests, pedigree analysis

Ecology and Evolution

  • Ecology — Species, communities, ecosystems, energy flow, nutrient cycles, climate change, evolution, natural selection, and classification
  • Evolution in Depth — Evidence for evolution, natural selection types, speciation, adaptive radiation, convergent evolution, Hardy-Weinberg extended, population genetics, phylogenetic trees, molecular clocks, antibiotic resistance

Physiology

  • Human Physiology — Digestion, cardiovascular system, immune system, gas exchange, neurones, synapses, hormones, homeostasis, and reproduction
  • Nervous System — Neuron structure, resting potential, action potential, synapses, neurotransmitters, reflex arcs, sensory systems, muscle contraction, brain regions, autonomic nervous system
  • Immunology — Innate immunity, adaptive immunity, antibody structure and classes, T-cell and B-cell activation, immunological memory, vaccines, ELISA, monoclonal antibodies, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, allergies
  • Plant Biology — Plant structure, transport in plants, reproduction, growth, phototropism, and phytochromes

Related Content

Common Pitfalls

  1. Forgetting to include control variables in experimental design, leading to invalid conclusions.

  2. Failing to link structure to function when describing biological molecules, cells, or organs.

  3. Misinterpreting graphs by confusing the independent and dependent variables or reading scales incorrectly.

  4. Writing vague answers without specific biological terminology — use precise terms (e.g., “phospholipid bilayer’ not ‘membrane’).

Overview

This section provides comprehensive Ib Biology content, covering all specification points with detailed explanations, worked examples, and practice questions.

Content Structure

Each page in this section includes:

  • Definitions: Clear, precise explanations of key concepts
  • Worked Examples: Step-by-step solutions with annotations
  • Practice Questions: Examination-style questions with detailed solutions
  • Common Pitfalls: Errors to avoid and how to fix them
  • Exam Tips: Strategies for maximising marks

How to Use These Notes

  1. Read the introductory page to understand the topic overview
  2. Work through each sub-topic in order
  3. Attempt the practice questions before checking solutions
  4. Use the flashcards to revise key terminology
  5. Complete the diagnostic test to identify remaining gaps

Key Topics

  • Core definitions and principles
  • Application to examination-style questions
  • Links to related topics across the specification
  • Assessment objective alignment

Revision Strategies

  • Active Recall: Test yourself regularly rather than re-reading notes
  • Spaced Practice: Revisit this topic at increasing intervals
  • Interleaving: Mix with other topics during revision sessions
  • Elaboration: Explain concepts in your own words

Exam Preparation

Focus on command word interpretation and mark scheme analysis. Practice timing yourself on questions to build speed and accuracy. Review examiner reports for this topic to understand common student errors.

Overview

This landing page provides comprehensive coverage of Biology content for the Ib qualification, with detailed explanations, worked examples, and practice questions aligned to the specification.

Content Structure

This page includes:

  • Key Definitions: Precise explanations of essential concepts
  • Core Concepts: Detailed treatment of fundamental principles
  • Worked Examples: Step-by-step solutions demonstrating application
  • Practice Questions: Examination-style questions with mark schemes
  • Common Pitfalls: Frequent errors and how to avoid them
  • Exam Tips: Strategies for maximising marks

How to Use This Content

  1. Read through the introductory material to establish context
  2. Study the definitions and core concepts carefully
  3. Work through the worked examples, following each step
  4. Attempt the practice questions independently
  5. Review your answers against the provided solutions
  6. Note any areas requiring further revision

Key Concepts

  • Foundational definitions and terminology
  • Application of principles to examination contexts
  • Connections to related topics within the specification
  • Assessment objective alignment

Revision Strategies

  • Active Recall: Test yourself on the material rather than passively re-reading
  • Spaced Repetition: Review this content at increasing intervals
  • Interleaving: Mix this topic with others during study sessions
  • Elaborative Interrogation: Ask yourself why each concept works

Exam Preparation

Practise applying these concepts under timed conditions. Focus on understanding what each question is asking and how marks are allocated. Review examiner reports to learn from common mistakes made by other students.