How hard is IB Biology?

Considering IB Biology for your science course but unsure if it's the right fit? If you're weighing your options and wondering whether IB Biology might be challenging, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision. 

How hard is IB Biology?

How hard is IB Biology?

IB Biology often appears challenging when looking at statistics. The mean grade for SL Biology students is around 3.7, while HL students average 4.6—scores that fall slightly below those in other sciences like Physics, where SL students average 3.8 and HL students 5.1. At a glance, this might suggest that IB Biology is particularly tough, even more so than Physics. However, it’s essential to interpret these numbers carefully, as they don’t always tell the whole story.  

In terms of difficulty, overall, IB Biology is a moderately challenging course. While it’s not as intense as Physics, which is often considered one of the hardest science options, it’s more challenging than subjects like ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies) or Sports Science.  

There is also a noteworthy difference between SL and HL Biology. The HL syllabus covers significantly more material, with greater depth and detail required, making it a more rigorous commitment. SL Biology, by comparison, is generally manageable and approachable, while HL Biology is regarded as a genuinely challenging course due to its extensive content.

What are some of the challenges of IB Biology?

• The syllabus is very broad, requiring students to familiarise themselves with a very broad range of concepts. 
• Students are required to memorise and retain a very large amount of information. 
• IB Biology doesn’t just test memorization; students need a deep conceptual understanding of complex processes and the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations. 
• The course involves a large amount of scientific vocabulary and terminology, which can be difficult to remember. 
• With the vast amount of information to absorb, students often need to revisit topics regularly to retain what they've learned.

Who should consider doing IB Biology?

We believe that SL Biology is accessible to most students. While it does require commitment and dedication to master the content, it’s a manageable and approachable course. For students not planning to pursue a university degree in biology, medicine or other related course, SL Biology is a solid choice. However, if biology isn’t your area of interest and you’re seeking a less intensive science option, you might consider courses like Sports Science. It’s worth noting, though, that many universities view IB Biology as a more academically rigorous choice.  

For students with a strong interest in biology, or those considering a biology-related field at university, HL Biology is highly recommended. Many universities require HL Biology for programs in fields like biotechnology or medicine. This higher level of study not only meets entry requirements but also provides a solid foundation, giving you a head start in your university studies.

Check out our free Biology IA exemplars

View all exemplars on Clastify

Grade received: 6

How do altering salicylic acid concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) affect the germination of Capsicum annuum longum seeds measuring the radicle length (mm) of the sprouts over 7 days?

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of Nickel (II) Chloride concentration on the germination rate (%) of Triticum aestivum seeds?

Grade received: 7

What is the optimal concentration of baking soda (NaHCO3) for the rate of photosynthesis in submerged spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 6

Investigating the effect of coffee on the rate of protein digestion

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of increasing iron (III) chloride concentration (0 mg/L, 2mg/L, 4mg/L, 6mg/L, 8mg/L, 10mg/L) on the growth of duckweed (Lemna minor) in terms of change in number of leaves over 5 days?

Grade received: 7

How does the concentration of 50ml of ethanol solution (15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%) influence the cell membrane permeability of beetroot, measured by the absorption transmission of light (Au) using a colorimeter, for 10 minutes?

Grade received: 7

How do different teas (chamomile, dandelion, nettle, black, and green tea) based on their potassium content used to water Vigna radiata seeds affect the success rate of germination over 96 hours, determined by successful germinations?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of different KCl percentage concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) on the germination rate of Triticum Aestivum.

Grade received: 7

Investigation Regarding the Correlation Between HDI and Mortality Rates due to Stroke

Grade received: 6

Comparison of protein content in animal-based milk and plant-based milk (cow milk, goat milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk) by weighing mass of coagulated precipitate formed after adding a coagulant (vinegar)

Grade received: 6

How do altering salicylic acid concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) affect the germination of Capsicum annuum longum seeds measuring the radicle length (mm) of the sprouts over 7 days?

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of Nickel (II) Chloride concentration on the germination rate (%) of Triticum aestivum seeds?

Grade received: 7

What is the optimal concentration of baking soda (NaHCO3) for the rate of photosynthesis in submerged spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 6

Investigating the effect of coffee on the rate of protein digestion

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of increasing iron (III) chloride concentration (0 mg/L, 2mg/L, 4mg/L, 6mg/L, 8mg/L, 10mg/L) on the growth of duckweed (Lemna minor) in terms of change in number of leaves over 5 days?

Grade received: 7

How does the concentration of 50ml of ethanol solution (15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%) influence the cell membrane permeability of beetroot, measured by the absorption transmission of light (Au) using a colorimeter, for 10 minutes?

Grade received: 7

How do different teas (chamomile, dandelion, nettle, black, and green tea) based on their potassium content used to water Vigna radiata seeds affect the success rate of germination over 96 hours, determined by successful germinations?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of different KCl percentage concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) on the germination rate of Triticum Aestivum.

Grade received: 7

Investigation Regarding the Correlation Between HDI and Mortality Rates due to Stroke

Grade received: 6

Comparison of protein content in animal-based milk and plant-based milk (cow milk, goat milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk) by weighing mass of coagulated precipitate formed after adding a coagulant (vinegar)

Grade received: 6

How do altering salicylic acid concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) affect the germination of Capsicum annuum longum seeds measuring the radicle length (mm) of the sprouts over 7 days?

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of Nickel (II) Chloride concentration on the germination rate (%) of Triticum aestivum seeds?

Grade received: 7

What is the optimal concentration of baking soda (NaHCO3) for the rate of photosynthesis in submerged spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves?

Tips for succeeding in IB Biology

• Use flashcards – create flashcards for key terms, processes, and definitions to then be able to quickly revisit past topics. This will help you retain the vast amount of information through the entire course.
• Draw the concepts out – Visual aids help in understanding complex biological processes. Practice drawing and labeling key diagrams, as these are often tested in exams.
• Practice with past papers – familiarize yourself with the exam format and question styles by practicing past papers. 
• Practice data questions – practice analyzing graphs, charts, and data tables as these are a big part of the examination. 
• Think through your IA – choose a topic that interests you and ensure that your IA is well-structured, clear, and thorough. Your IA can boost your overall score significantly. Make sure to check out our Biology IA exemplars.
• Create a study schedule – spread out your study sessions over the entire course, rather than cramming, to keep up with the content. 

We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.