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IB Biology Syllabus + Topics

Whether you're a current IB Biology student looking to get a deeper grasp of the syllabus or a prospective IB student weighing your science options, this post will be your guide. We'll break down the IB Biology syllabus to give you a clear understanding of what to expect in the course.

The IB Biology syllabus is divided into four themes:

  • Theme A: Unity and diversity
  • Theme B: Form and function
  • Theme C: Interaction and interdependence
  • Theme D: Continuity and change

Each theme consists of a variety of topic, but at the core of them all is the study of molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems, which serve as the foundation of the entire course.

4 themes40 subtopics6 HL onlyFirst exams 2025

A.

Unity and diversity

9 subtopics · 19 teaching hours (SL)

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A1.1
Water

Water as the medium for life

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A1.2
Nucleic acids

DNA as the genetic material of all living organisms

B.

Form and function

10 subtopics · 26 teaching hours (SL)

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B1.1
Carbohydrates and lipids

Chemical properties of a carbon atom allowing for the formation of diverse compounds upon which life is based

C.

Interaction and interdependence

9 subtopics · 31 teaching hours (SL)

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C1.1
Enzymes and metabolism

Enzymes as catalysts

C1.2
Cell respiration

ATP as the molecule that distributes energy within cells

D.

Continuity and change

12 subtopics · 34 teaching hours (SL)

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D1.1
DNA replication

DNA replication as production of exact copies of DNA with identical base sequences

D1.2
Protein synthesis

Transcription as the synthesis of RNA using a DNA template