IB MYP · Years 4 & 5 Biology
Explore the Science of Life.
“Emitting Excellence”
MYP Biology
IB MYP Sciences · Y4 & Y5
CRITERION A
Knowing and
CRITERION B
Inquiring and
CRITERION C
Processing and
CRITERION D
Reflecting on
4
Criteria
2
Levels
28+
Modules
175+
Questions
IB MYP Sciences Assessment Framework
All Four Criteria — Fully Elaborated
IB MYP Sciences criteria A–D apply across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each criterion is worth 8 marks.
Criterion A MAX 8 MARKS 🧬
Knowing and Understanding
Recall and apply biological knowledge to explain life processes in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Use correct biological terminology, notation, and models accurately.📋 Assessment Strands (i–iv)
Outline biological knowledge and explain concepts, principles, laws, and theories
Apply biological knowledge to solve problems set in familiar situations and contexts
Apply biological knowledge to solve problems set in unfamiliar situations and contexts
Evaluate the validity of a biological model, law, or theory in relation to new evidence
🧬 Biology Topics Covered
Cells
- Cell theory & microscopy
- Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
- Cell organelles & their functions
- Diffusion, osmosis & active transport
- Cell division — mitosis & meiosis
Genetics
- DNA structure & the genetic code
- Protein synthesis: transcription & translation
- Inheritance — dominant & recessive alleles
- Punnett squares & monohybrid crosses
- Genetic disorders & genetic screening
Ecology
- Ecosystems, biomes & habitats
- Food chains, webs & trophic levels
- Energy flow & ecological pyramids
- Nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen, water)
- Population dynamics & limiting factors
Human Biology
- Digestive system — enzymes & absorption
- Circulatory system — heart & blood vessels
- Respiratory system — gas exchange
- Nervous & endocrine systems
- Immune system & disease
Criterion B MAX 8 MARKS 🔭
Inquiring and Designing
Plan and design biological investigations. Formulate testable hypotheses, identify and control variables, select appropriate techniques, and collect sufficient relevant data safely.📋 Assessment Strands (i–iv)
Explain a biological problem or question to be tested and formulate a testable hypothesis using scientific reasoning
Explain how to manipulate variables and describe how sufficient, relevant data will be collected
Describe a safe, ethical method for testing the hypothesis and explain how data will be analysed
Explain how sufficient, relevant, and reliable data will be collected to address the research question
🧬 Biology Topics Covered
Investigation Design
- Forming biological hypotheses
- Independent, dependent & controlled variables
- Ethical use of living organisms
- Designing fair biological experiments
- Writing reproducible step-by-step methods
Key Practicals
- Microscopy — preparing & staining slides
- Enzyme activity investigations (amylase, catalase)
- Osmosis in plant tissue (potato/visking tubing)
- Photosynthesis rate experiments (pondweed)
- Pulse rate & exercise investigations
Data Collection
- Quantitative vs qualitative biological data
- Sample size & statistical significance
- Repeat readings & reliability
- Field sampling techniques (quadrats, transects)
- Recording in clear, units-labelled tables
Safety & Ethics
- Safe handling of microorganisms
- Ethical treatment of animals in science
- Plant ethics & sustainable sourcing
- Biohazard awareness & PPE
- Peer review, reproducibility & honesty
Criterion c MAX 8 MARKS 📊
Processing and Evaluating
Process, interpret, and evaluate biological data from investigations. Identify patterns, draw valid conclusions, evaluate experimental methods, and suggest evidence-based improvements.📋 Assessment Strands (i–iv)
Present collected and transformed data clearly using appropriate means — tables, graphs, and calculations
Interpret data and explain results using biological reasoning to determine whether the hypothesis is valid
Evaluate the validity and reliability of the experimental method and the quality of the data
Suggest specific, justified improvements to the method that would reduce error or improve reliability
🧬 Biology Topics Covered
Data Processing
- Calculating means, ranges & standard deviation
- Percentage change calculations
- Drawing & interpreting bar charts & line graphs
- Scatter graphs & correlation in biology
- Statistical tests: t-test & chi-squared (Extended)
Analysis
- Identifying trends & anomalies
- Linking results to biological theory
- Drawing valid, evidence-based conclusions
- Comparing to accepted biological values
- Explaining unexpected results scientifically
Evaluation
- Assessing validity of hypothesis
- Random vs systematic errors in biology
- Evaluating reliability & repeatability
- Sample size & its effect on confidence
- Suggesting specific method improvements
Communication
- Structured biological lab report writing
- Using correct biological units (mm, mg, cm³)
- Scientific language & Latin nomenclature
- Biological diagrams — scale bars & labels
- Referencing scientific literature correctly
Criterion d MAX 8 MARKS 🌍
Reflecting on the Impacts of Science
Reflect on how biology and biotechnology interact with society, the environment, and ethics. Evaluate the benefits, risks, and responsibilities associated with advances in life science.📋 Assessment Strands (i–iv)
Select appropriate mathematical strategies when solving authentic real-world and abstract problems
Apply selected strategies successfully to reach a correct, complete solution
Solve problems correctly in both familiar and unfamiliar situations across varied contexts
Explain why results are reasonable, recognising the importance of mathematical logic and proof
🧬 Biology Topics Covered
Biotechnology
- Genetic engineering & GMOs
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
- Stem cell research & therapy
- Cloning — therapeutic & reproductive
- Synthetic biology & its risks
Medicine & Health
- Vaccines & global immunisation
- Antibiotic resistance — a global crisis
- Cancer biology & treatment
- Organ transplants & ethics
- Mental health — biology & society
Environment
- Biodiversity loss & conservation
- Deforestation & habitat destruction
- Invasive species & ecosystem disruption
- Climate change effects on living organisms
- Rewilding & ecological restoration
Ethics & Society
- Animal experimentation — 3Rs principle
- Human cloning — where is the line?
- Bioprospecting & indigenous knowledge
- Access to medicines in developing nations
- Designer babies & genetic selection
Core & Extended Biology
Choose the level that matches your school’s MYP programme
LEVEL 01
Core
Biology
Essential biology for all MYP students. Covers cells, genetics, ecology, and human body systems with real-world applications and hands-on practicals.LEVEL 02
Extended
Biology
Deeper content for STEM-focused students. Adds enzyme kinetics, advanced genetics (sex-linkage, dihybrid crosses), ecological fieldwork techniques, and biotechnology.OUR REVIEWS
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Topic Modules
What You Will Learn
UNIT 01
Genetics & Heredity
- Cell theory & microscopy skills
- Animal vs plant cells
- Organelles & their functions
- Diffusion, osmosis & active transport
- Levels of organisation
UNIT 02
Genetics & Heredity
- DNA structure & replication
- Genes, alleles & chromosomes
- Mitosis & meiosis
- Punnett squares & inheritance patterns
- Variation — genetic & environmental
UNIT 03
Ecology
- Ecosystems & habitats
- Food chains & energy flow
- Carbon & nitrogen cycles
- Population changes
- Human impact on ecosystems
UNIT 04
Human Body Systems
- Digestion & enzymes
- Circulatory & respiratory systems
- Nervous & endocrine systems
- Immune system & disease
- Reproductive system & hormones
What’s Included
Everything You Need to Excel
Topic Notes
Concise, exam-focused PDFs with annotated diagrams for every subtopic
Worked Examples
Step-by-step answers matching IB MYP Sciences mark schemes exactly
Lab Report Guides
Criterion B & C templates with model answers for key biology practicals
Video Lessons
Screen-recorded concept walkthroughs by IB MYP Biology specialists
Mock Assessments
Full-length papers in authentic IB MYP Sciences eAssessment format
Diagram Library
Labelled A3 biological diagrams — cells, systems & cycles at a glance
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IB MYP Biology?
Structured, criterion-aligned maths tutorials for IB MYP Years 4 & 5 — Standard and Extended — taught by expert IB educators. Emitting Excellence since day one.
