Group 4: ScienceSL AvailableHL Available

IB Biology

Study of living systems from molecules to ecosystems with focus on experimental skills.

IB Biology provides comprehensive coverage of biological concepts from cellular processes to ecosystem dynamics. The course emphasizes the scientific method, data analysis, and understanding of how biological systems function at multiple levels of organization. The current course was first assessed in 2025.

SL & HL
Levels offered
90 min
One-to-one lessons
$95
Lowest rate per lesson
Max 6
IB group programs
Prices and optionsRequest a tutor
Course Introduction

Why Biology Matters

Your grade in IB Biology counts toward the 45-point Diploma, and many university courses ask for a particular grade in the subject, often at Higher Level.

Essential for medicine and life science careers
Develops scientific inquiry skills
Understanding of current biological research
Foundation for environmental awareness
Standard Level
SL Overview

SL covers cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology in 150 teaching hours.

Higher Level
HL Overview

HL adds topics such as origins of cells, viruses, cladistics, muscle and motility, chemical signaling and gene expression, plus extra depth across the four themes, in 240 hours.

Career Pathways

MedicineNursingBiotechnologyEnvironmental ScienceVeterinary ScienceGeneticsMarine BiologyPublic Health

Biology syllabus topics

The topics of the subject guide. Lessons follow your school's order and level.

Unit A
Unity and Diversity
  • Water
  • Nucleic acids
  • Cell structure
  • Diversity of organisms
  • Evolution and speciation
  • Origins of cells (HL)
Unit B
Form and Function
  • Membranes and membrane transport
  • Organelles and compartmentalization
  • Gas exchange
  • Transport
Unit C
Interaction and Interdependence
  • Enzymes and metabolism
  • Cell respiration
  • Photosynthesis
  • Populations and communities
Unit D
Continuity and Change
  • DNA replication
  • Protein synthesis
  • Mutations and gene editing
  • Inheritance
  • Natural selection
  • Climate change
  • Gene expression (HL)

How lessons approach Biology

Understanding the concepts, and answering the papers the way the markscheme rewards.

Conceptual Understanding
Deep mastery of core concepts
  • Build strong foundation in cell biology first
  • Connect structure to function at all levels
  • Understand processes, not just facts
  • Practice drawing and labeling diagrams
Exam-Specific Techniques
Targeted preparation for IB assessments
  • Learn command terms precisely
  • Practice data analysis and graph interpretation
  • Master the IA structure thoroughly
  • Review diagram requirements for common topics

Past papers and markschemes

IB Biology past papers with markschemes, used in lessons alongside the questions from your own school.

How marks are won in Biology

1
Practice annotated diagrams regularly
2
Learn data booklet contents
3
Use command terms correctly in answers
4
Focus on understanding processes over memorization
5
Review examiner reports for marking expectations

IB Biology: lessons, prices and how to start

One-to-one lessons are 90 minutes, live online. Prices are set per program, so they are the same for every IB Diploma subject.

IB Biology one-to-one tutoring packages
Single lesson$100Per lesson: $100Buy a lesson
10 lessons$970Per lesson: $97Buy package
20 lessonsLowest rate$1,900Per lesson: $95Buy package

Group options

IB group teaching runs as three programs, priced by the number of subjects you take, in groups of at most 6:

IA, EE and TOK supervision is one-to-one, from $100 for a single lesson.

How do you start?

Request a free consultation: it is a conversation about your goals and timeline, not a lesson or a test. There is no separate diagnostic test for IB Diploma, because no single test stands in for a school syllabus. The first lesson does the assessment: your tutor works through your recent marked work and past-paper questions from your own specification, and reads where you stand. It is a normal paid lesson, not a free trial, and it teaches as it assesses.

Request a free consultation

Refunds

Not satisfied after your first private lesson? Full (100%) refund. No score is guaranteed. Full terms.

Every IB Diploma priceAll IB Diploma subjects

IB Biology — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IB Biology SL and HL?
Standard Level: SL covers cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology in 150 teaching hours. Higher Level: HL adds topics such as origins of cells, viruses, cladistics, muscle and motility, chemical signaling and gene expression, plus extra depth across the four themes, in 240 hours. The choice matters for university admission as much as for workload — many courses require the subject at HL specifically.
How is IB Biology assessed?
Externally assessed: Paper 1 (SL: 36% / HL: 36%), Paper 2 (SL: 44% / HL: 44%). Internally assessed: Scientific Investigation (20%). The internal assessment is marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB, and because it is completed over months rather than in an exam hall it is the component students most often leave too late.
What topics does IB Biology cover?
The syllabus covers 4 topics: Unity and Diversity, Form and Function, Interaction and Interdependence and Continuity and Change. Lessons follow your school's order, so tutoring supports your class rather than running alongside it.
Does IB Biology count for university credit?
May grant credit for introductory biology courses. Recognition varies by university and usually applies to Higher Level only, so check the policy of each institution you are applying to.
Where does IB Biology lead?
It is commonly taken by students heading towards Medicine, Nursing, Biotechnology, Environmental Science and 4 more. If your intended degree lists the subject as a requirement, taking it at Higher Level is usually what admissions expects.