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MYP Guides/Biology
MYP SCIENCES

MYP Biology

MYP Biology, within the MYP Sciences subject group, develops students’ understanding of living systems — cells, organisms, ecosystems and the relationships between them — through inquiry and the analysis of evidence. It is assessed against the four MYP Sciences criteria, each out of 8.

QUICK FACTS
Subject group
MYP Sciences
Assessment
4 criteria (A–D), each out of 8
Format
MYP eAssessment — optional 2-hour on-screen exam (Year 5)
Final grade
1–7 (from the combined criterion levels)
Official IB guide ↗

The main areas of study in MYP Biology. On CritABCD you can filter practice questions by any of these.

1Cells
2Organisms & Systems
3Metabolism & Processes
4Genetics & Evolution
5Ecology & Environment
6Human Health
7Biotechnology

AIMS

  • Understand biological concepts and apply them to explain living systems.
  • Design and carry out valid, ethical biological investigations.
  • Process, analyse and evaluate biological data.
  • Reflect on how biology and biotechnology affect people and the environment.

KEY CONCEPTS

ChangeRelationshipsSystems

RELATED CONCEPTS

BalanceConsequencesEnvironmentFormFunctionInteractionModelsPatterns

GLOBAL CONTEXTS

Identities and relationshipsOrientation in space and timePersonal and cultural expressionScientific and technical innovationGlobalization and sustainabilityFairness and development

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the assessment criteria for MYP Biology?

MYP Biology is assessed against four criteria, each out of 8: A Knowing and understanding, B Inquiring and designing, C Processing and evaluating, and D Reflecting on the impacts of science.

How is MYP Biology graded?

Each criterion is marked from 1 to 8 against level descriptors. Teachers combine the four criterion levels and use published grade boundaries to award a final MYP grade from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).

Is there a separate MYP Biology guide?

Biology is taught within the single MYP Sciences framework (which also covers the other sciences). The official IB MYP Sciences guide is available from the IB — see the link on this page.

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This overview is written by CritABCD for study and revision. The official MYP Biology guide is published by the International Baccalaureate.