biology ia essay examples

A collection of tips and notes for the International Baccalaureate.

IB Biology Internal Assessment (23/24)

Below I will attach a PDF of my Biology IA (submitted for Biology HL). It scored 23/24 (which, according to the boundaries of the M20 session, was a 7). Unfortunately, I don’t know where I lost the one mark.

Quick disclaimer; my Biology IA was a database IA, so the majority of the tips I’ll share in this post will specifically relate to writing a successful database IA. If you’re looking for tips for an experiment-based IA, I’d recommend you go check my post about my Chemistry IA , where I share some of my experiences with an experiment-based IA as well as a general structure I’d replicate when writing an experiment-based IA.

Across my three sciences (Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Physics SL), I wrote two experiment-based IAs and one database IA. As such, I feel as though I have a pretty solid understanding of the pros and cons of each IA “type” (excluding, of course, a simulation-based IA). In short, I can express the essence of these two IA types in quite a rudimentary table:

As per the above table, one of the downsides of an experiment-based IA is the amount of effort required to complete it. In experiment-based IAs, a lot of time and effort goes into planning your methodology, conducting preliminary trials, conducting the experiment itself etc. However, this hard work has a payoff, given that an advantage of an experiment-based IA is that the analysis and evaluation of your data is pretty straightforward, since there’s so much you could talk about when it comes to the accuracy and precision of your experiment.

On the other hand, a database IA requires a considerably smaller amount of time and effort to plan. Once you find a good data source and set up your primary equations on a spreadsheet, Excel practically does the rest of the work for you. It personally took me about 2 days to find all my data and process it. However, the drawback to a database IA is that it requires a lot of critical thinking and understanding of statistics and data sampling when it comes to the analysis and evaluation (which contribute half of the points you could achieve for your IA). Ultimately, because most people don’t have a good enough understanding of statistics and data sampling, they tend to score poorly in database IAs or shy away from them completely to begin with. In this post, I hope to provide you with a solid understanding of how to successfully complete a database IA, and hopefully my own IA acts as a decent exemplar for all of you to use.

The IA which I wrote was a “correlation-based IA”, which essentially means it explored the correlation between two (biology) related variables. I have not yet seen someone write a database IA that wasn’t correlation-based, so in this post I’ll be focusing on the structure and content of a correlation-based database IA. To do this, I’ll propose a general structure to use when writing a correlation-based database IA, and expand on some of the technical information that you should include in each section.

1. Research Question: In this section, state your research question. If you’re writing a correlation-based database IA, you want to make sure that your research question isn’t too simple, and that you add some unique ‘twist’ to your investigation. For example, instead of just determining the correlation between HDI and mortality rates due to CHD, I decided to specifically look at the distinction between this correlation in developing and developed countries. Some other ‘twists’ you could add to your investigation is to look at your correlation in different age groups, or between men and women.

2. Introduction: In this section, introduce why you ended up choosing to explore your particular research question. This is where I’d sneak in a bit about the connect between the research question and your interests/personal life (I was personally inspired to write my IA after I shadowed a cardiologist at a local hospital). You might also want to mention how answering your research question has important applications in the real world. In my own IA, I made the ‘Introduction’ section part of the ‘Background Information’ section to make sure my IA didn’t exceed the 12 page limit, but if you’re not running out of space I’d recommend making two separate sections.

3. Background Information: In this section, you want to illustrate all the biology knowledge that’s pertinent to your research question. This section is very important in a correlation-based database IA given that it’s one of the only sections where you’re provided an opportunity to discuss the biological background of your investigation. This section also acts as a reminder that your IA is biology-focused, not maths-focused. Additionally, in this section you should discuss other important background information that’s relevant to your investigation. For example, if you’re exploring the correlation between HDI and CHD mortality (as I have done), you’ll want to use the ‘Background Information” section to not only explain the pathogenesis of CHD but also the significance of CHD as a socioeconomic indicator.

4. Hypothesis: This section is pretty self-explanatory; just state your hypothesis. This should ideally be accompanied by a scientific explanation to support your hypothesis. In my case, I referenced a study about the correlation between the HDI and healthcare quality in a country to justify why HDI and CHD mortality should be negatively correlated.

5. Approach to the Research Question: In this section you should illustrate some of your personal engagement with the IA by explaining how you developed your methodology. For a correlation-based database IA, I suggest that three main points should be considered in this section: 1) how you will control confounding variables in your investigation, 2) how you minimised the effects of errors and variability in your data and, 3) how you standardised your variables. Below I further elaborate on these 3 points, using what I hope is a useful analogy.

In its most basic form, a correlation-based database IA is the development of an algorithm to process raw data into a form which allows you to determine whether a correlation exists between two variables. You can think of this algorithm like a machine, where your raw data is the input and the processed data is the output. In the “Approach to the Research Question” section, you essentially outline the three main ‘steps’ of the machine. The diagram below is a helpful guide:

As you see, the first “step” in the database machine is to control the raw data you collect for confounding variables. A confounding variable is a variable that influences both you dependent and independent variable (e.g. a variable that influences both HDI and mortality rates due to CHD). As such, if confounding variables are not controlled for it could lead to spurious correlations in your investigation. Confounding variables can also be variables other than your independent variable that influences your dependent variable, which you should also control (these types of variables are analogous to controlled variables in experiment-based IAs). For instance, lifestyle habits are an example of a variable which may affect both the HDI of a country and the mortality rate due to CHD. Ultimately, to control confounding variables in your experiment you must develop an inclusion criteria. The “Inclusion Criteria” section comes up later in the IA but you can foreshadow its existence in this section already.

The second “step” in the database machine is to take the data you’ve adjusted for confounding and further adjust it, this time for random variability. Random variability in data may be caused for a variety of reasons, and typically these reasons are difficult to identify. However, the existence of random errors in your data may contribute to a spurious correlation, and therefore random variability in data must be accounted for. For example, in my IA I looked at data relating to CHD mortality across different years in different countries. At any one year, there might have been some unknown factor which influenced the CHD mortality in a given country. This factor could be, for example, a sampling error or the introduction of a new procedure to treat CHD. As such, I decided to account for random variability by calculating the mean mortality rate due to CHD.

The last “step” in the database machine is to take the data you’ve adjusted (for confounding and random variability) and standardise it. Standardising data allows you to fairly compare it. For example, in my IA I looked at mortality rates due to CHD, and decided to standardise the mortality rate which I collected by expressing it per 100,000 people in a country’s population. This is important, given that the number of people who die from CHD in any given country is relative to that country’s population. There are, of course, many other ways to standardize data, but for most correlation-based database IAs which I’ve seen (where mortality/survival rates are used), expressing your data per the population is a good way to go.

6. Data sources : In this section of your IA, you should list all of the data sources which you’ve used to carry out your investigation. You should also provide an explanation as to how your chosen data sources are reliable and credible. Generally, if your data sources are well-recognised data-collecting institutions (e.g. the WHO, the World Bank), you can argue that they are also trustworthy and ergo reliable. For population statistics I’d use the World Bank database , mortality rates due to a variety of different diseases are provided by the WHO , and HDI data can be found online on United Nations Development Programme’s website.

7. Variables : In this section, state the final variables which you will explore in the investigation. This includes your independent variable (e.g. HDI) and your dependent variable (e.g. mortality rates due to CHD per 100,00 people). Additionally, state that other variables exist which you need to control (e.g. confounding variables), and that you will design an inclusion criteria in your investigation to control these variables.

8. Inclusion Criteria: In this section you will outline the inclusion criteria which you’ve designed for your investigation. In short, inclusion criteria are characteristics which the raw data you use must have in order to be used in the investigation. These criteria don’t only aim to adjust your data for confounding, but also to control other factors to ensure your results are more accurate and representative. As an example, the inclusion criteria for my own IA were as follows:

As you can see, my inclusion criteria consisted of four variables; location, population, HDI, and socioeconomic organisation, which were presented in a table. Given that my investigation looked at the distinction between developing and developed countries, I created separate inclusion criteria for each. For each inclusion criteria which you design, you need to provide an explanation for how it will enhance the accuracy or representativeness of your results. Below I outline the reason for choosing each of my variables. In your own IA, you should also provide a justification for the inclusion criteria you design.

Location : I chose to limit my chosen countries to European countries in order to limit the effects of confounding variables such as lifestyle and dietary habits. These European countries were those defined by the World Health Organidation, as per their website.This inclusion criteria was the same for both developing and developed countries.

Population : If you are sampling data from individual countries, it is necessary to ensure that the population size of these countries is sufficiently large. The larger the population, the more price and representative your results will be (and vice versa). Naturally, I’m not knowledgeable enough to decide which population size is sufficiently large to have confidence in the precision of my data. As such, I referenced a scientific study by Zhu et al. which stated that a sample size of 2 million is enough to ensure the precision of my data. This inclusion criteria excluded certain European countries, such as Liechtenstein and Monaco, from being included in my investigation.

HDI: According to the United Nations Development Programme, “countries with an HDI score higher than 0.788 are considered to be developed, while countries with an HDI value lower than 0.788 are considered to be developing”. I used this parameter to determine which sampled countries are developing and which are developed.

Socioeconomic organisation: I chose to further limit the eligible countries in my investigation to two socioeconomic organisations in order to limit the effects of confounding variables such as economic and cultural status. The two socioeconomic organisations which I chose were the CEIT (Countries with Economies in Transition) for developing countries and the OECD (Organisation for Economics Co-operation and Development) for developed countries.

As you can see, my inclusion criteria specified that variables such as population and HDI needed to be relevant as of 2000; meaning that an eligible developing country had to have, for example; a HDI smaller than 0.788 since the year 2000. This is because I sampled data from my investigation from the year 2000 onwards (given that this was the scope of raw data which I was able to find). Depending on the time period from which you sample your raw data from, this year would likely be different.

9. Safety, Environmental and Ethical Considerations: In this section, briefly outline which safety, environmental, and ethical precautions are necessary when conducting the experiment. Given the nature of a database IAs, there are no substantial safety and environmental considerations to be made. However, you may want to note that it is necessary to use data ethically and in accordance to guidelines set by your database sources (e.g. abide by copyright laws).

10. Methodology and Trial Investigation: In this section you should conduct a trial investigation to gain insight into the feasibility of the correlation you’re investigating, thus providing a justification for you to proceed and carry out the final investigation. Additionally, I would recommend using the trial investigation to explain the methodology you’ve designed for your IA. This will not only allow you to gain points in the ‘Analysis’ and ‘Communication’ criteria of the IA, but it will also save you space given that you will only need to provide the final results of your investigation later on, seeing as you’ve already explained your methodology beforehand.

In order to carry out a trial investigation, it is necessary to randomly sample your data to ensure that your trial investigation is truly representative of the rest of your data. For my IA, I randomly sampled 5 developing and 5 developed countries and carried out the investigation with their data. The way in which you randomly sample your data will vary per IA. Hereafter, explain your investigation’s methodology and all the different tables and calculation which you’ve used. For every calculation you make in the processing of your data, make sure to include a sample calculation. After processing all of your data and presenting it in a graph, determine which correlation exists in your data and justify why you should go ahead and conduct your final investigation. In my case, I used the R 2 values from my graphs to superficially assess how strong my correlations were, and thus whether I should continue with my final investigation.

(For those of you who don’t know, the R 2 value on a graph represents the proportion of the variance in the dependent variable that is predictable from the independent variable or, in layman terms, the degree of scattering of your data around the fitter trendline. The greater the R 2 value for a graph, the less scattering there is around the trendline, which may suggest a stronger correlation.)

11. Investigation and Results: Given that you’ve already explained your methodology in the previous section of your IA, all you need to do in this section is present the final processed data as well as any final graphs or tables you’ve created. Make sure to state in this section that you utilised the same methodology shown in the trial investigation to conduct the final one. Additionally, you may want to state that the raw data for the final investigation is “available upon request”, just to indicate to the person reading your IA that you actually processed the data yourself.

12. Statistical Testing: This section is, in my opinion, the one where most students miss out on marks for the ‘Evaluation’ criterion of the IA. In a correlation-based database IA, this section is where most students will conduct a statistical test to determine the strength of their correlation. Below I will provide a short description of how to conduct statistical testing for a correlation-based database IA:

Firstly, you need to determine which statistical test you will conduct. The two most frequently used statistical test for correlation are the Pearson’s correlation and Spearman’s correlation. The Pearson’s correlation tests for linear relationships, whereas the Spearman’s correlation tests for monotonic relationships. The difference between these two types of correlations is illustrated in the graphs below:

As you see, a linear relationship is a “straight-line” relationship between two variables, whereas a monotonic relationship is one where the function either always increases or always decreases, not both. Evidently, all linear relationships are monotonic, but not all monotonic relationships are linear. However, it will most probably not be clear whether the processed data in your investigation represents a linear relationship or one that is only monotonic. However, in order to conduct a Pearson’s correlation your data needs to meet certain assumptions, one of which is that your data is normally distributed, given that the test is sensitive to outliers and skewness in the data. As such, if you determine that your data is normally distributed, you should conduct a Pearson’s correlation. If your data is not normally distributed you won’t be able to conduct a Pearson’s correlation and should instead conduct a Spearman’s correlation.

An easy way to test whether your processed data is normally distributed, and thus whether you should conduct a Pearson’s correlation or not, is to conduct a skewness analysis. A skewness analysis is a quick calculation which tells you whether or not you data warrants concern of skewness. In a skewness analysis, you need to determine the value of two variables; the “skewness coefficient” and the “standard error”. Both of these variables can be calculated on Microsoft Excel.

The skewness coefficient is a variable which expresses how skewed your data is, and is a separate value for your independent and dependent variable data. Let’s say you want to calculate the skewness coefficient of your independent variable data. First, paste your data into a column on an Excel sheet. If your data spans from, say, cell E8 to cell E28, type the following equation into Excel in order to calculate the skewness coefficient of your data:

Use the same equation to calculate the skewness coefficient of your dependent variable data.

The standard error is different to the skewness coefficient and is usually the same value for both your independent and dependent variable data. The value of the standard error of your data depends on how many data points each of your variables has. In my investigation I had 31 pairs of data points, and therefore each of my variables (independent and dependent) had 31 data points. The value of the standard error was, therefore, the same for both the independent and dependent variable data. To calculate the standard error of your own data, use the following equation on Excel, where ‘N’ is the number of data points you have:

Finally, in order to assess the skewness of your data, you need to compare the absolute value of the skewness coefficient for each of your variables with twice the value of the standard error. If the value for the skewness coefficient is less than twice its standard error, then there is no concern of skewness in the data and the Pearson’s correlation can be conducted. If the value of the skewness coefficient is greater than twice its standard error, then there is concern of skewness and you need to conduct the Spearman’s correlation.

In short, the results of a skewness analysis can be presented in a table, as follows:

After the skewness analysis you need to conduct your chosen statistical test. I personally conducted the Pearson’s correlation, but I will demonstrate how to conduct both the Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation below:

Pearson’s correlation: The Pearson’s correlation tests the strength of a linear correlation. The result of the Pearson’s correlation; the Pearson correlation coefficient ( r ), expresses the strength of and direction of a linear correlation (ranging from -1 to 1). The Pearson’s correlation is conducted using the following formula, where r is the Pearson correlation coefficient, x is your independent variable data, y is your dependent variable data, and n is the number of data pairs in your investigation.

As illustrated by the above equation, it is necessary to determine the sum of x, y, xy, x 2 and y 2 . After doing so, plug in your results into the above equation (alongside the value for n ), and the result will be your Pearson correlation coefficient.

Spearman’s correlation: Conducting the Spearman’s correlation is slightly more complex than the Pearson’s correlation. Similarly to the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the Spearman’s correlation coefficient expresses the strength of and direction of a linear correlation (ranging from -1 to 1). Given that I haven’t personally conducted the Spearman’s correlation for my IA, I’m not very experienced in the process of doing so, but I found a great link which is very clear at describing how to calculate the Spearman’s correlation, which I will link here .

Lastly, after conducting the statistical test of choice, you need to ensure that the results of your statistical test are “statistically significant”; that is to say that the correlation which you’ve determined using the statistical test is caused by something other than chance. To determine statistical significance, you need to compare the result of your statistical test to a certain “critical value” which is based on the degrees of freedom and level of confidence assumed. I defined the two latter terms below:

degrees of freedom : the number of values in the final calculation of a statistic that are free to vary. The degrees of freedom for an investigation is calculated as the number of data pairs minus 2 (e.g. for my investigation, which had 31 data pairs, there would be 29 degrees of freedom)
level of confidence : the level of confidence when determining statistical significance refers to the risk that the correlation investigated is due to chance. Typically, a level of confidence of 0.05 is chosen, which denotes a 5% risk that the correlation investigated is due to chance.

You can determine the critical value for your investigation using either this document for the Pearson’s correlation or this document for the Spearman’s correlation. For instance, if you conducted a Pearson’s correlation and had 10 degrees of freedom at a level of confidence of 0.05, your critical value would be 0.576 (with reference to the appropriate document). Ultimately, if the absolute value of the correlation coefficient you have determined is greater than your assigned critical value, the results of your statistical testing are statistically significant, and vice versa.

I know this section was long, but it’s really important to get this part of the IA right in order to score highly. Remember, the statistical testing has three main parts: 1) conduct a skewness analysis to determine which statistical test to conduct, 2) conduct your chosen statistical test and, 3) determine if the results of your statistical test are statistically significant.

13. Analysis and Conclusion : In this section, analyze your final, processed data and provide an answer to your research question (if possible). This section should summarize the data which you’ve collected and how it (hopefully) supports your initial hypothesis. When analyzing the data, take into account the results of your statistical testing as well as the R 2 values from your final graphs.

14. Evaluation of Errors and Improvements: This section is of paramount important to the overall quality of your IA. The more detailed and thoughtful your evaluation of your investigation is, the better. To begin your evaluation, start by pointing out some of the strengths of your investigation. This could be the use of a trial investigation, or the thoroughness of your statistical testing. However, the bulk of the ‘Evaluation’ section should focus on identifying errors in your investigation and suggesting possible improvements to them. I mainly focused on how my methodology failed to take into account certain confounding variables, given that I suggested that these confounding variables were what caused my final correlations to be less than perfect. As such, most of the major errors in my investigation were linked to the nature of my inclusion criteria. Additionally, you may wish to point out some methodological errors in your investigation, such as the way in which you standardised your data, or how you could enhance the precision of your results by reducing the effects of certain random errors.

15. Extensions: In this section, identify any possible extensions to your investigation. It’s important to differentiate between improvements in the previous section and extensions in this one. An improvement involves tweaking your current methodology to ensure a more accurate and precise investigation. An extension, on the other hand, is suggesting an entirely new part of the methodology that would explore another aspect of your investigation. The extension you identify should, however, still be aimed at exploring something in the domain of your research question.

16. Literature: This is the last section of your IA and should include all of the sources which you’ve used, referenced in whichever style you want (I chose Chicago-style citation). Make sure to also reference any images which you’ve included in your IA in this section as well.

I hope this information is useful, and good luck!

IB Biology IA: 60 Examples and Guidance

Charles Whitehouse

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program offers a variety of assessments for students, including Internal Assessments (IAs), which are pieces of coursework marked by students’ teachers. The Biology IA is an assessment designed to test students' understanding of the material they have learned in their biology course, their ability to conduct independent research, and their competence in applying their knowledge to real-world biological issues.

What is the IA?

The IA consists of a laboratory report that students must complete during their IB biology course. For assessments before May 2025, the report should be 6 to 12 pages in length, but after May 2025, the length requirement is updated to a maximum of 3,000 words.

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What should the IA contain?

The research question for the internal assessment should be a testable question that is related to the biology curriculum. It's essential that the question is relevant to the biology curriculum, specific and clearly defined. The methodology section should explain how the research was conducted, including the materials and methods used. The methodology should be detailed and well-explained, and should include information on the materials and methods used, as well as any ethical considerations.

Data analysis is an important aspect of the IA. Professional IB Biology tutors recommend that students should present their data in a clear and organized manner, and should use appropriate statistical analysis to interpret their results. They should also make sure to include a discussion of the limitations of their study and the implications of their findings.

The conclusion should summarise the main findings of the study, relate the results back to the research question, and address the relevance of these findings to the broader context of the biological field.

In addition to the laboratory report, students must complete a reflective statement, which is mandatory. This statement should be around 500 words long and must include references to how the student has achieved specific learning objectives outlined in the IB Biology syllabus, and should reflect on the student’s learning during the internal assessment process. The reflective statement should include a description of the student’s personal learning process, including successes and challenges, as well as an evaluation of their performance on the internal assessment and the skills they have gained through the process.

Have a look at our comprehensive set resources for IB Biology developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

- IB Biology 2024 Study Notes

- IB Biology 2025 Study Notes

- IB Biology 2024 Questions

- IB Biology 2025 Questions

What are some example research questions?

Here are examples with details of potential research questions, written by expert IB Biology tutors and teachers, that could inspire your Biology IA:

1 - Investigating the effect of different types of sugars on the rate of fermentation by yeast. To investigate the effect of different concentrations of a specific herbicide on the growth rate of a particular plant species, one could set up an experiment in which the plants are grown in soil with varying concentrations of the herbicide. An appropriate range of concentrations and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the herbicide on the plant's growth.

2 - How does the pH of a solution affect the activity of an enzyme? To investigate the effect of pH on enzyme activity, one could set up an experiment in which the enzyme is exposed to solutions with varying pH levels. The enzyme's activity could be measured by monitoring the rate of a specific reaction catalyzed by the enzyme. Control variables such as temperature, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration would need to be kept constant. By comparing the activity of the enzyme at different pH levels, the optimal pH range for the enzyme could be determined.

3 - Can the concentration of vitamin C in different types of fruit juice be determined using titration?

To determine the concentration of vitamin C in different types of fruit juice using titration, a standardized solution of a known concentration of potassium permanganate would be prepared. A sample of the fruit juice would be titrated with the potassium permanganate solution until the endpoint is reached, indicating that all the vitamin C has reacted with the potassium permanganate. The concentration of vitamin C in the fruit juice can then be calculated based on the volume and concentration of the potassium permanganate solution used in the titration. This process would need to be repeated for each type of fruit juice being tested.

4 - Investigating the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Set up an experiment in which aquatic plants are placed in containers with varying levels of light intensity. The light intensity could be controlled by adjusting the distance between the light source and the plants. The rate of photosynthesis could be measured by tracking the amount of oxygen produced by the plants over a set period of time. Comparing the rates of photosynthesis of the different groups would determine the impact of light intensity on the plant's photosynthetic activity. Control variables such as temperature, water quality, and plant species would need to be kept constant.

5 - How does the concentration of carbon dioxide affect the rate of photosynthesis in terrestrial plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown under different concentrations of carbon dioxide. The plants would need to be grown in a controlled environment with consistent light, temperature, and watering. The rate of photosynthesis could be measured by monitoring the oxygen production of the plants using a dissolved oxygen probe. The results could then be analyzed to determine how the concentration of carbon dioxide affects the rate of photosynthesis in terrestrial plants.

6 - Can the presence of glucose in urine be determined using Benedict's test?

Collect a urine sample from the individual being tested. Add Benedict's reagent to the sample and heat it in a water bath. If glucose is present in the urine, it will react with the Benedict's reagent and cause a color change. The intensity of the color change can be compared to a color chart to determine the concentration of glucose in the urine. This process would need to be repeated for each urine sample being tested.

7 - Investigating the effect of temperature on the respiration rate of germinating seeds.

Set up an experiment in which germinating seeds are exposed to different temperatures. The respiration rate of the seeds could be measured by monitoring the amount of oxygen consumed or carbon dioxide produced over a set period of time. The experiment would need to control for other variables such as the type of seed, the amount of water and nutrients provided, and the length of time the seeds have been germinating. Comparing the respiration rates of the different groups would determine the effect of temperature on the seeds' respiration rate.

8 - How does the concentration of salt in a solution affect the growth of bacteria?

Prepare a series of solutions with varying concentrations of salt, and inoculate each with a known amount of bacteria. The solutions would need to be incubated at a constant temperature for a set period of time, and the growth of the bacteria could be measured by counting the number of colonies or by using a spectrophotometer to measure the optical density of the solution. Comparing the growth rates of the bacteria in the different salt concentrations would determine the effect of salt on bacterial growth. Control variables such as pH, temperature, and nutrient availability would need to be kept constant.

9 - Can the concentration of nitrogen compounds in soil be determined using colorimetry?

Collect soil samples from different locations and extract the nitrogen compounds using a suitable method such as Kjeldahl digestion. The extracted compounds can then be analyzed using colorimetry, which involves adding a reagent that reacts with the nitrogen compounds and produces a color. The intensity of the color can be measured using a spectrophotometer, and the concentration of nitrogen compounds in the soil can be calculated based on the absorbance of the color. This process would need to be repeated for each soil sample being tested.

10 - Investigating the effect of different types of plant hormones on the growth of seedlings.

Set up an experiment in which seedlings are grown in different concentrations of plant hormones, with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the seedlings could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the plant hormones on the seedlings' growth. The experiment could also include observations of other plant characteristics such as leaf size and color, root development, and overall health.

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11 - How does the concentration of salt in water affect the hatching rate of brine shrimp?

Set up multiple containers with different concentrations of salt water and add brine shrimp eggs to each container. The containers should be kept at a consistent temperature and light level. After a set period of time, count the number of hatched brine shrimp in each container and calculate the hatching rate. Comparing the hatching rates of the different containers would determine the effect of salt concentration on the hatching rate of brine shrimp.

12 - Can the rate of mitosis be determined using microscopy techniques?

Collect a sample of cells undergoing mitosis and prepare them for microscopy. Using a microscope, observe the cells and record the time it takes for each cell to complete each stage of mitosis. The rate of mitosis can then be calculated by dividing the time taken for each stage by the total time taken for the entire process. This process would need to be repeated for multiple cells to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results.

13 - Investigating the effect of different types of antibiotics on the growth of bacteria.

Culture bacteria in petri dishes with different concentrations of antibiotics. The growth of the bacteria can be observed and measured over a set period of time. The concentration of antibiotic that inhibits the growth of the bacteria can be determined, and the effectiveness of different types of antibiotics can be compared. Control variables such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

14 - How does the concentration of oxygen affect the respiration rate of crickets?

Set up a series of chambers with different concentrations of oxygen, ranging from low to high. Place crickets in each chamber and monitor their respiration rate by measuring the amount of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced over a set period of time. The results can be analyzed to determine the effect of oxygen concentration on the respiration rate of crickets. Control variables such as temperature and humidity would need to be kept constant throughout the experiment.

15 - Can the concentration of glucose in blood be determined using glucose oxidase and spectrophotometry?

A sample of blood would be mixed with glucose oxidase, which converts glucose to hydrogen peroxide. The amount of hydrogen peroxide produced is proportional to the amount of glucose in the sample. A spectrophotometer would then be used to measure the absorbance of the sample at a specific wavelength, which is also proportional to the amount of hydrogen peroxide present. The concentration of glucose in the blood sample can then be calculated based on the absorbance reading and a standard curve generated using known concentrations of glucose. This process would need to be repeated for each blood sample being tested.

16 - Investigating the effect of different types of pesticides on the growth of bean plants.

Set up an experiment in which bean plants are grown in soil treated with varying concentrations of different pesticides. An appropriate range of concentrations and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the pesticides on the plant's growth. Additionally, the health of the plants could be assessed by examining their leaves for signs of damage or discoloration.

17 - How does the concentration of light affect the growth of algae?

Set up multiple containers with different concentrations of light, ranging from low to high. In each container, add a sample of algae and monitor their growth over a set period of time. The growth rate of the algae can be measured by tracking their biomass or chlorophyll content. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of light concentration on the growth of algae. Control variables such as temperature, nutrient availability, and water quality would need to be maintained to ensure accurate results.

18 - Can the presence of starch in leaves be determined using iodine solution?

Obtain a sample of the leaf and grind it into a fine powder. Add a few drops of iodine solution to the powder and observe the color change. If the solution turns blue-black, it indicates the presence of starch in the leaf. This process would need to be repeated for multiple leaves from different plants to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results. Control variables such as the age of the leaf and the time of day the sample is taken should also be considered.

19 - Investigating the effect of different types of plant nutrients on the growth of tomatoes.

Set up an experiment in which tomato plants are grown in soil with varying concentrations of different plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be maintained. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the plant nutrients on the plant's growth. Additionally, the nutrient content of the tomato plants could be analyzed to determine if there is a correlation between the nutrient concentration in the soil and the nutrient content in the plant.

20 - How does the concentration of carbon dioxide affect the growth of marine plants?

Conduct an experiment in which marine plants are grown in water with varying concentrations of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide concentration could be controlled by bubbling different amounts of carbon dioxide gas into the water. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height, mass, or chlorophyll content over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of carbon dioxide concentration on the plant's growth. Other variables such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability would need to be controlled to ensure that any differences in growth rate are due to the carbon dioxide concentration.

21 - Can the concentration of protein in an egg be determined using the Biuret method?

To determine the concentration of protein in an egg using the Biuret method, the egg would need to be homogenized and the protein extracted. A Biuret reagent would then be added to the protein extract, which would cause a color change if protein is present. The intensity of the color change would be proportional to the concentration of protein in the egg. A standard curve could be created using known concentrations of protein to determine the concentration of protein in the egg sample. This process would need to be repeated for each egg being tested.

22 - Investigating the effect of different types of plant hormones on the root growth of seedlings.

Set up an experiment in which seedlings are grown in soil with different concentrations of plant hormones. An appropriate range of concentrations and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The root growth of the seedlings could be measured by tracking their length or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the root growth of the different groups would determine the impact of the plant hormones on the seedling's root growth.

23 - How does the concentration of oxygen affect the respiration rate of goldfish?

Set up multiple tanks with goldfish and varying levels of oxygen concentration. The respiration rate of the goldfish can be measured by tracking their oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide production. The experiment would need to be conducted over a set period of time with control variables such as temperature and feeding schedules. Comparing the respiration rates of the different groups would determine the effect of oxygen concentration on the goldfish's respiration rate.

24 - Can the concentration of a specific hormone in blood be determined using ELISA?

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) involves coating a microplate with a specific antibody that binds to the hormone of interest. The sample of blood is then added to the plate, and any hormone present in the sample will bind to the antibody. A secondary antibody that is linked to an enzyme is then added, which will bind to the hormone-antibody complex. The enzyme will then catalyze a reaction that produces a detectable signal, such as a color change. The intensity of the signal is proportional to the amount of hormone present in the sample, allowing for the concentration of the hormone to be determined. A standard curve can be created using known concentrations of the hormone to accurately quantify the concentration in the sample.

25 - Investigating the effect of different types of pollutants on the growth of watercress.

Set up an experiment in which watercress plants are grown in water contaminated with different types and concentrations of pollutants. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the pollutants on the plant's growth. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results. The types and concentrations of pollutants used in the experiment would need to be carefully chosen based on their potential impact on watercress growth and their relevance to real-world pollution scenarios.

26 - How does the concentration of light affect the rate of respiration in germinating seeds?

Set up a series of experiments in which germinating seeds are exposed to different intensities of light. The rate of respiration could be measured by tracking the amount of oxygen consumed or carbon dioxide produced by the seeds over a set period of time. The experiment would need to control for other variables such as temperature and humidity. Comparing the rates of respiration for the different light intensities would determine the impact of light concentration on the rate of respiration in germinating seeds.

27 - Can the concentration of nitrates in water be determined using colorimetry?

Prepare a series of standard solutions of known concentrations of nitrates. A sample of the water would be mixed with a reagent that reacts with nitrates to produce a colored product. The intensity of the color would be measured using a colorimeter, and the concentration of nitrates in the water can be calculated based on the intensity of the color and the concentration of the standard solutions. This process would need to be repeated for each water sample being tested.

28 - Investigating the effect of different types of disinfectants on the growth of bacteria.

Prepare a culture of bacteria and divide it into multiple groups. Each group would be exposed to a different type of disinfectant, while control groups would not be exposed to any disinfectant. The growth rate of the bacteria in each group would be measured over a set period of time, either by counting the number of colonies or by measuring the turbidity of the culture. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the effectiveness of each disinfectant on inhibiting bacterial growth.

29 - How does the concentration of salt in water affect the growth of duckweed?

Set up multiple containers of water with varying concentrations of salt. Add duckweed to each container and monitor their growth over a set period of time. The growth rate of the duckweed can be measured by tracking their surface area or biomass. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of salt concentration on the growth of duckweed. Control variables such as light, temperature, and nutrients should be kept constant across all containers.

30 - Can the concentration of ethanol in different types of alcoholic beverages be determined using gas chromatography?

Use gas chromatography to separate the components of the alcoholic beverage sample. The ethanol would be detected and quantified using a detector such as a flame ionization detector. The concentration of ethanol in each sample can then be calculated based on the peak area or height of the ethanol peak in the chromatogram. This process would need to be repeated for each type of alcoholic beverage being tested.

31 - Investigating the effects of different types of exercise on heart rate and blood pressure.

Recruit a group of participants and randomly assign them to different exercise groups (e.g. running, cycling, weightlifting). Measure their heart rate and blood pressure before and after the exercise session. Repeat this process for each exercise group. Analyze the data to determine if there are any significant differences in the effects of the different types of exercise on heart rate and blood pressure. Control variables such as age, gender, and fitness level should be taken into account.

32 - How does the level of noise pollution affect the behavior and communication of animals?

Conduct a field study in which the behavior and communication of animals in areas with varying levels of noise pollution are observed and recorded. Control variables such as time of day, weather conditions, and animal species would need to be taken into account. The observations could include changes in vocalizations, movement patterns, and social interactions. Comparing the behavior and communication of animals in areas with different levels of noise pollution would determine the impact of noise on their behavior. Statistical analysis could be used to establish correlations between noise levels and changes in animal behavior.

33 - Investigating the effects of different types of fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient uptake.

Set up an experiment in which identical plants are grown in soil with different types of fertilizers. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Nutrient uptake could be measured by analyzing the nutrient content of the plants at the end of the experiment. Comparing the growth rates and nutrient uptake of the different groups would determine the impact of the fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient uptake. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant.

34 - How does exposure to light pollution affect the migration and behavior of nocturnal animals?

Conduct a field study in which nocturnal animals are observed in areas with varying levels of light pollution. The behavior and migration patterns of the animals could be tracked using GPS or radio telemetry. Data on the animals' activity levels, movement patterns, and habitat use could be collected and compared between areas with different levels of light pollution. This would allow for an assessment of the impact of light pollution on nocturnal animals and their ecosystems.

35 - Investigating the effects of different types of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems and organisms.

Set up multiple tanks or containers with different types and levels of water pollution, such as oil spills, chemical runoff, or excess nutrients. Populate each tank with a variety of aquatic organisms, such as fish, algae, and invertebrates. Monitor the health and behavior of the organisms over a set period of time, noting any changes in growth, reproduction, or mortality rates. Comparing the results from each tank would allow for an assessment of the impact of different types of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems and organisms.

36 - How does exposure to electromagnetic radiation affect the growth and development of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are exposed to different levels of electromagnetic radiation, such as UV light or radio waves. The plants would need to be grown in a controlled environment with consistent light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate and development of the plants could be measured by tracking their height, leaf size, and overall health over a set period of time. Comparing the growth and development of the plants exposed to different levels of electromagnetic radiation would determine the impact of the radiation on the plants. Control groups of plants not exposed to radiation would also need to be included for comparison.

37 - Investigating the effects of different types of air pollution on respiratory function and lung health.

Recruit a sample of participants who are exposed to different types of air pollution, such as those who live near busy roads or industrial areas. Conduct lung function tests, such as spirometry, on each participant to establish a baseline measurement of their respiratory health. Repeat the tests after a set period of time to determine any changes in lung function. Comparing the results of participants exposed to different types of air pollution would determine the impact of each type on respiratory function and lung health. Other factors, such as age and smoking status, would need to be controlled for in the analysis.

38 - How does the level of acidity affect the growth and survival of aquatic organisms?

Conduct experiments in which aquatic organisms are exposed to different levels of acidity. The organisms could be placed in tanks with varying pH levels, and their survival and growth rates could be monitored over time. Control variables such as temperature, light, and food availability would need to be kept constant. Comparing the survival and growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of acidity on the organisms. Additionally, other factors such as changes in behavior or reproduction could also be observed and analyzed.

39 - Investigating the effects of different types of food additives on human health and metabolism.

Conduct a literature review to identify the potential health effects of different food additives. Design a study in which participants consume a controlled diet with varying levels of the food additives being tested. Blood and urine samples could be collected at regular intervals to measure changes in metabolism and biomarkers of health. Statistical analysis would be used to determine if there are significant differences in health outcomes between the different groups.

40 - How does the level of UV radiation affect the growth and survival of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are grown under different levels of UV radiation. This could be achieved by using UV lamps of varying intensities or by placing the plants at different distances from a natural source of UV radiation, such as the sun. The growth rate, survival rate, and other relevant factors such as leaf size and chlorophyll content could be measured and compared across the different groups. This would help determine the impact of UV radiation on plant growth and survival. Control variables such as temperature, humidity, and watering would need to be carefully monitored and controlled to ensure accurate results.

41 - Investigating the effects of different types of drugs on human physiology and behavior.

Conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a group of participants who are given different types of drugs. The physiological and behavioral effects of the drugs would be measured through various tests and assessments, such as blood pressure, heart rate, cognitive function, and mood. The results would be analyzed to determine the impact of each drug on the participants' physiology and behavior, and any potential side effects or risks associated with each drug would be identified.

42 - How does the level of carbon dioxide affect the growth and development of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in controlled environments with varying levels of carbon dioxide. The growth rate, height, and biomass of the plants can be measured over a set period of time. The results can be compared to determine the impact of different levels of carbon dioxide on plant growth and development. Other variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be controlled to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.

43 - Investigating the effects of different types of pesticides on non-target organisms and ecosystems.

Conduct a series of experiments in which different non-target organisms are exposed to varying concentrations of the pesticide. The organisms could be chosen based on their ecological importance, such as pollinators or soil microorganisms. The effects of the pesticide on the organisms could be measured by tracking their survival rates, reproductive success, or behavior. Additionally, the impact of the pesticide on the broader ecosystem could be assessed by monitoring changes in the abundance and diversity of other species in the area. Comparing the results of these experiments would provide insight into the potential ecological risks associated with the use of the pesticide.

44 - How does the level of atmospheric pollutants affect the growth and development of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are grown in controlled environments with varying levels of atmospheric pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide or ozone. The growth rate, leaf area, and chlorophyll content of the plants could be measured over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates and health of the plants exposed to different levels of pollutants would determine the impact of atmospheric pollutants on plant growth and development. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

45 - Investigating the effects of different types of microorganisms on the digestive system and gut microbiome.

Conduct a study in which different groups of animals are exposed to different types of microorganisms, either through their diet or through direct exposure. The effects on their digestive system and gut microbiome could be measured through various methods such as analyzing fecal samples, measuring changes in gut pH, or monitoring the presence of certain bacteria. Comparing the results from the different groups would determine the impact of the microorganisms on the animals' digestive system and gut microbiome.

46 - How does the level of humidity affect the growth and survival of insects?

Conduct an experiment in which insects are exposed to different levels of humidity in a controlled environment. The survival rate and growth rate of the insects could be measured over a set period of time. The experiment would need to control for other variables such as temperature, food availability, and lighting. Comparing the survival and growth rates of the insects in different humidity levels would determine the impact of humidity on their growth and survival.

47 - Investigating the effects of different types of radiation on the genetic material and DNA replication.

Cultivate a sample of cells in a controlled environment and expose them to different types of radiation, such as gamma rays or UV light. The cells would then be monitored for changes in their genetic material, such as mutations or damage to DNA replication. The results could be compared to a control group that was not exposed to radiation to determine the effects of each type of radiation on the cells. Additional experiments could be conducted to investigate the long-term effects of radiation exposure on the cells.

48 - How does the level of soil salinity affect the growth and survival of plants?

Set up an experiment in which plants are grown in soil with varying levels of salinity. An appropriate range of salinity levels and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate and survival rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height, mass, and number of leaves over a set period of time. Comparing the growth and survival rates of the different groups would determine the impact of soil salinity on the plant's growth and survival. Additionally, the concentration of ions in the soil could be measured to determine the relationship between soil salinity and plant growth.

49 - Investigating the effects of different types of antibiotics on bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance.

Set up a series of petri dishes with agar and bacterial cultures. Each dish would contain a different antibiotic, with varying concentrations. The dishes would be incubated for a set period of time, and the growth of the bacteria would be measured. The results would show which antibiotics were most effective at inhibiting bacterial growth, and whether any resistance had developed. Control variables such as temperature, humidity, and the type of bacteria used would need to be carefully controlled to ensure accurate results.

50 - How does the level of soil pH affect the growth and survival of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in soil with varying pH levels. An appropriate range of pH levels and a suitable plant species would need to be chosen, along with control variables such as light, temperature, and watering. The growth rate of the plants could be measured by tracking their height or mass over a set period of time. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of soil pH on the plant's growth and survival. Other factors such as nutrient availability and toxicity would also need to be considered and controlled for in the experiment.

51 - Investigating the effects of different types of hormones on animal behavior and physiology.

Conduct experiments with different groups of animals, each exposed to a different hormone. The behavior and physiology of the animals would be monitored and recorded over a set period of time. Control variables such as diet, environment, and age would need to be maintained across all groups. Comparing the results of the different groups would determine the effects of each hormone on the animals' behavior and physiology. Statistical analysis could be used to determine the significance of the results.

52 - How does the level of water availability affect the growth and survival of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in different levels of water availability, ranging from drought conditions to optimal watering. The growth rate, survival rate, and overall health of the plants would be monitored over a set period of time. The data collected would be used to determine the impact of water availability on plant growth and survival. Control variables such as light, temperature, and soil type would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

53 - Investigating the effects of different types of plant extracts on bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance.

Prepare bacterial cultures in petri dishes with different concentrations of the plant extracts. The growth of the bacteria can be observed over a set period of time, and the effectiveness of the plant extracts in inhibiting bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance can be determined by comparing the growth rates of the different groups. Control variables such as temperature and nutrient availability would need to be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

54 - How does the level of nutrients affect the growth and development of microorganisms?

Conduct experiments in which microorganisms are grown in nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor environments. The growth rate and development of the microorganisms could be measured by tracking their population size and observing their morphology under a microscope. Comparing the growth rates and morphology of the microorganisms in the different environments would determine the impact of nutrient levels on their growth and development. Control variables such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels would need to be kept constant.

55 - Investigating the effects of different types of pollution on the reproductive systems and fertility of animals.

Select a suitable animal species and expose them to different types of pollution, such as air pollution or water pollution. The reproductive systems and fertility of the animals could be monitored over a set period of time, and compared to a control group that was not exposed to pollution. The impact of the pollution on the animals' reproductive systems and fertility could be determined by analyzing factors such as the number of offspring produced, the health of the offspring, and any abnormalities or complications observed during pregnancy or birth.

56 - How does the level of light intensity affect the growth and development of microorganisms?

Set up multiple petri dishes with agar and different levels of light intensity, ranging from complete darkness to bright light. Inoculate each dish with the same strain of microorganisms and incubate them for a set period of time. The growth of the microorganisms can be measured by counting the number of colonies or by measuring the turbidity of the culture. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of light intensity on the growth and development of the microorganisms. Control variables such as temperature, nutrient availability, and humidity would need to be maintained throughout the experiment.

57 - Investigating the effects of different types of food on the metabolism and energy balance of humans.

Conduct a randomized controlled trial in which participants are assigned to different groups and given different types of food to eat for a set period of time. The participants' energy intake, metabolism, and weight would be measured before and after the intervention to determine the impact of the different types of food on their energy balance. Other factors such as physical activity levels and sleep patterns would also need to be controlled for to ensure accurate results.

58 - How does the level of nutrients affect the growth and development of plants?

Conduct an experiment in which plants are grown in different nutrient solutions with varying levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The growth rate, height, and mass of the plants could be measured over a set period of time to determine the impact of the nutrient levels on their growth and development. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant. The results could be analyzed to determine the optimal nutrient levels for plant growth and development.

59 - Investigating the effects of different types of hormones on plant growth and development.

Set up an experiment in which different groups of plants are treated with different types and concentrations of hormones. The growth rate, height, and mass of the plants could be measured over a set period of time. Control variables such as light, temperature, and watering would need to be kept constant. Comparing the growth rates of the different groups would determine the impact of the hormones on the plant's growth and development. Additional measurements such as leaf size, root length, and flower production could also be taken to further analyze the effects of the hormones.

60 - How does the level of water quality affect the growth and survival of aquatic organisms?

Set up multiple aquariums with varying levels of water quality, such as different levels of pollutants or pH. Introduce the same species of aquatic organism into each aquarium and monitor their growth and survival over a set period of time. The growth rate and survival rate of the organisms can be compared between the different aquariums to determine the impact of water quality on their growth and survival. Control variables such as temperature and feeding schedules should be kept consistent across all aquariums.

Remember to come up with your own original IA topic and check it with your teacher. It should be practical to conduct and relevant to the syllabus. Even A-Level Biology tutors say that this is a great opportunity to develop your personal interests, while advancing your knowledge of the Biology curriculum.

How can I prepare for the IA?

To prepare for the IA, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their biology course and should practice writing lab reports. They should also seek feedback from their teachers on their writing skills and their understanding of the research process. IB tutors provide personalized guidance and can help students understand complex topics and achieve higher grades as well.

TutorChase's IB resources , including IB Biology Q&A Revision Notes , are perfect for students who want to get a 7 in their IB Biology exams and also prepare for the internal assessment. They are completely free, cover all topics in depth, also have IB Biology past papers and are structured by topic so you can easily keep track of your progress.

How is the IA graded?

The IA is worth 20% of the final grade for the IB biology course, whether you are studying at Higher or at Standard Level. It is graded by the student’s teacher, who is trained and certified by the International Baccalaureate organization. The report is then sent to a moderator, who will check that the report adheres to the IB guidelines and that the grade awarded is appropriate.

Online Biology tutors emphasise that it is important for students to be familiar with the assessment criteria for the biology internal assessment. These criteria are used to grade the laboratory report and reflective statement, and include aspects such as the quality of the research question, the methodology used, the data analysis, and the conclusion. Students should also make sure that their report is well-written and properly formatted, and that it includes all the required sections.

Recent Changes to the IB Biology IA Guidelines

The IB has recently updated the guidelines for the Biology IA to better reflect the evolving nature of biological research and education. These changes include a greater focus on the application of biological principles to real-world situations, a more structured approach to reflective statements, and updated word count and grading criteria. It is important for students to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure they meet the new expectations.

Source: IB Biology Subject Guide, pre-May 2025

In summary, the IA in the IB is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the biology curriculum, as well as their ability to conduct independent research. It consists of a laboratory report and a reflective statement, and is worth 20% of the final grade for the course. To prepare for the assessment, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their IB Biology.

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Charles scored 45/45 on the International Baccalaureate and has six years' experience tutoring IB and IGCSE students and advising them with their university applications. He studied a double integrated Masters at Magdalen College Oxford and has worked as a research scientist and strategy consultant.

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30+ Biology IA Topics Ideas: New Topics for 2024

By TutorsPlus

Exams aren’t the only thing that matters in IB Biology. One-fifth of your final grade comes from the Internal Assessment (IA), and you’ll need those 24 marks it awards. This means that everything, from choosing a Biology IA topic to conveying your experiment and describing it in a report, needs to be carefully thought about.

Unfortunately, many students stumble on the very first step – finding the right topic. We can clearly see why – it must be within the IB Biology syllabus but still stand out, not too broad and not too narrow, piquing your interest but a manageable quantity of work.

At TutorsPlus, we would like to help. That’s why we asked our IB Biology tutors to put thier heads together and suggest 30+ exciting Biology IA topic ideas.

What is a Biology Internal Assessment?

Internal Assessment is a mandatory scientific assignment at the end of year two of your IB Diploma Programme. It is also your chance to explore a Biology topic that interests you.

To succeed , you need to design a scientific investigation, collect data, analyse your findings, and write a report about them. Thanks to IA, you can showcase your research and thinking skills, as well as prove that you actually understand Biology and not just memorise facts for exams.

IB Biology Internal Assessments consist of these major parts:

Research Question . You are free to choose any question related to Biology as long as it is possible to conduct an experiment with available resources. It doesn’t have to be a topic covered in the syllabus but it should be on the same level of difficulty. Examiners tend to give more points for IB Biology topics you have a personal interest in, as they often see your enthusiasm shine through. So make sure you state clearly why you chose this topic and what effect it has on your life or society in general.
Investigation . It is possible to gather information for your Biology IA in many ways. For example, you can design an experiment in a lab, conduct fieldwork, analyse data from a database, or even use a simulation. The most important is to collect and analyse quantitative data (numbers), supported by qualitative observations (descriptions) if relevant.
Report . Once you’ve completed your investigation, you need to write a report summarising your findings. This report has a maximum word count of 3,000 words. This means you have to be clear, concise, and well-organised.

Biology IA grading system and criteria

Internal Assessment constitutes 20% of your final Biology grade whether you’re at SL or HL. Overall, it can bring 24 marks, which are evenly distributed across 4 marking criteria .

Research Design

This criterion focuses on how you set up your investigation. The examiners want to see a clear research question that has a specific context (i.e. scientific background). They also need to understand the methodology you used to answer that question.

In particular, you should clearly specify how you selected and measured your variables, what data you collected, and how you ensured the safety of your experiment. If there are any ethical or environmental considerations, you need to address them.

Data Analysis

The next criterion assesses how well you presented your findings. Your report must contain clear and accurate graphs, tables, and other relevant ways to organise your data. All of them should have appropriate labels, as well as feature annotations, units, decimal places, and significant figures.

Along with that, you shouldn’t forget to provide explanations of how you processed your data. Examiners also want to see that you considered any uncertainties or errors in your measurements.

To earn the 6 marks with this criterion, you need to clearly answer your research question. Your conclusion should explain what your data means based on your analysis and taking into account scientific knowledge that relates to your topic.

Besides, you need to show a comparison of your findings to this scientific context. Whenever you cite any sources in your report, they must be properly referenced.

It is important to be able to reflect on your investigation. In other words, your report must provide evidence of evaluation of your methodology.

In particular, you need to specify the strengths and weaknesses of your approach. Were there any limitations in how you collected or analysed your data? Could you have done anything differently? Here is also where you propose ways to improve your investigation if you could do it again.

30+ IB Biology IA Topic Ideas

An ideal IB Biology IA topic is one that sparks your curiosity and fuels your passion for science. When you’re genuinely interested in your topic, you’ll be more motivated to design a creative investigation and conduct a thorough experiment.

But you need to be careful when choosing your topics. You can find a lot of IA topic ideas on the Internet. However, you shouldn’t cut corners and simply copy them. That’s because examiners want to see investigations that show a unique perspective. This means your topic should be original.

Having said that, you can still count on us for IA biology ideas. The following list of 30+ possible topics is designed to inspire you, not replace your creativity. Use them to brainstorm your own unique and exciting IB Biology IA topic.

Ecology and Environment

The impact of climate change on bird migration.

With this IA topic, you can investigate how climate changes affect bird migration patterns. Along with this, you can predict potential implications for ecosystems worldwide.

Analysing the effects of water pollution on plant growth.

This topic can explore the effects of different pollutants on plant growth and health. Your conclusions are supposed to raise awareness about the importance of clean water.

Assessing the health of forest ecosystems in relation to air pollution.

Here, you can examine the link between air pollution and forest health. The results of the investigation may highlight the need for cleaner air.

Evaluating the effectiveness of methods for reclaiming polluted lands.

Such a topic requires you to explore various techniques for restoring contaminated areas. You also need to assess their potential to revitalise once-degraded landscapes.

Investigating the anthropogenic influences on biodiversity in coastal ecosystems.

Specify the effects of human activities on the diversity of coastal habitats. It is also worth providing insights into the conservation efforts needed to preserve these fragile environments.

Genetics and Evolution

Studying the effects of mutations on the development of certain diseases.

Explore how mutations alter DNA’s code and result in the development of certain diseases. Understanding these alterations can help create better treatments and preventative measures.

Comparative analysis of genetic diversity within a species across different geographic regions.

Such a topic is a cross-regional exploration of genetic variation within a species. Your investigation can track the connection between geographic distribution and evolutionary processes.

Assessing the role of natural selection in the evolution of a particular organism.

Your work may examine how natural selection shapes the adaptation and evolutionary trajectory of a specific organism. It can also offer insights into the mechanisms that promote biological diversity.

Exploring the impact of genetically modified organisms on agriculture and ecology.

This topic encourages you to investigate how GMOs influence crop yields and pest resistance, as well as their potential ecological implications. Your findings can support the discussion about this powerful technology.

Investigating the genetic mechanisms underlying specific behavioural traits.

By exploring this connection, you are able to gain insights into the interplay between genes and the environment as well as how they shape our behaviour.

Evaluating the influence of different diets on metabolism.

Here, you have a chance to explore how various dietary patterns can influence metabolic processes. Your IA can track the relationship between nutrition and overall well-being.

Examining the effects of physical activity on cognitive functions.

Investigate the impact of exercises on our cognitive abilities. You may also highlight the benefits of an active lifestyle on mental sharpness and overall brain health.

Analysing the impact of stress on the immune system.

This Biology IA topic delves into the interplay between psychological stress and the body’s defence mechanisms. It is also necessary to specify how our emotional well-being can influence the ability to prevent illness and disease.

Investigating the mechanisms of organismal adaptation to extreme environmental conditions.

This IB Biology Internal assessment should pinpoint the strategies employed by living organisms to survive in harsh environments.

Assessing the influence of sleep on memory and cognitive processes.

With this IA, you can explore how sleep deprivation impacts learning, concentration, and overall brain function.

Biotechnology

Evaluating the effectiveness of DNA encryption in biotechnology.

This investigation could examine how scientists safeguard sensitive genetic information as well as explore the ethical implications of DNA encryption.

Studying the potential of gene therapy in treating genetic diseases.

With this IA, you can review the latest advancements in gene therapy. It is also necessary to explore the challenges and future prospects of gene therapy including corrective genetic materials.

Analysing the impact of genetically modified crops on agriculture and the environment.

Examine the effects of genetically engineered crops on agricultural practices and the surrounding ecosystems. Your IA should contribute to the ongoing debate on food security and environmental sustainability.

Investigating the ethical considerations of animal cloning.

This topic should focus on the potential benefits of this technology in medicine and conservation. At the same time, you need to address the ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare and unnatural reproduction.

Assessing the potential use of stem cells in medical applications.

This IA is your chance to evaluate the potential of stem cells in revolutionising medical treatments. You may also explore such ways to improve healthcare as regenerative therapies, personalised medicine, and others.

Microbiology

Studying the effects of antibiotics on the human microbiome.

This topic encourages you to explore how antibiotic use disrupts the microbiome balance in our bodies. You should also specify their potential consequences on human health.

Analysing the impact of bacteriophages on bacterial populations in soil.

Here, you need to track the relationships between bacteriophages and bacterial populations in the soil. Along with this, it is important to explore the vital role of these viruses in regulating microbial communities and maintaining ecological balance.

Evaluating the effectiveness of various sterilisation methods in medical facilities.

Such an IA should assess the efficiency of different sterilisation techniques to ensure safety and hygiene standards that protect patients and personnel from potential infections.

Investigating the influence of prebiotics on the composition and function of the gut microbiome.

This investigation must focus on how prebiotics influence the composition and function of the gut microbiome. In particular, you need to discuss how it impacts digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. You should also offer ways to optimise gut health.

Analysing the impact of microbial communities on plant health.

This IB Biology IA topic requires you to analyse the symbiotic relationship between plants and the microorganisms that coexist with them. Explain the vital role of these microbial communities on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and disease resistance.

Ethology and Animal Behaviour

Studying the influence of social structures on the behaviour of social animals.

With this IA topic, you need to study the dynamics of social animal groups. In particular, it requires you to examine how various factors (such as size, hierarchy, and communication patterns) shape their behaviours and decision-making processes.

Analysing the effects of the environment on behavioural patterns in birds.

Analyse how environmental factors such as light, temperature, and food availability influence behavioural patterns in different bird species. Discuss how these patterns contribute to adaptability and resilience.

Assessing the impact of urban stressors on mammalian behaviour.

This Internal Assessment should explore the potential consequences of urbanisation on the behaviour and well-being of mammals. Reveal the challenges faced by these animals in adapting to rapidly changing environments.

Investigating the genetic factors influencing animal behaviour.

Investigate the genetic factors influencing specific behaviours in animals, such as aggression, mating rituals, or parental care.

Analysing the impact of food competition on fish behaviour in closed-water systems.

Here, you should explore the dynamics of resource competition among fish in controlled aquatic environments and specify the strategies they adopt to secure essential resources.

Biochemistry

Evaluating the influence of different factors on the rate of enzymatic reactions.

Investigate how temperature, pH, and substrate concentration impact enzyme efficiency, explain cellular processes under various conditions, and suggest how these biological catalysts can be optimised for diverse applications.

Studying the effects of diet on blood cholesterol levels.

With this Biology IA topic, you can study how different dietary components including saturated fat, fibre, and cholesterol intake affect cholesterol levels. You can also provide dietary recommendations for cardiovascular health.

Analysing the impact of various antioxidants on the stability of cell membranes.

Assess the role of antioxidants in preserving the integrity of cell membranes. This investigation can lead to insights into strategies for preventing cellular damage.

Assessing the influence of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis.

Determine how temperature fluctuations influence the efficiency of photosynthesis. Make conclusions on the conditions required for optimal plant growth and productivity.

Investigating the mechanisms of organismal adaptation to changes in pH in the environment.

This IA could take a closer look at the strategies the living organisms use to cope with fluctuations in environmental acidity. Make conclusions on the physiological and genetic mechanisms that facilitate adaptation and survival.

Biomedicine

Investigating the influence of genetic factors on cancer development.

This independent investigation can study the influence of specific genes and mutations on cancer risk. Explain the mechanisms that contribute to the growth and progression of this disease.

Analysing the mechanisms of infectious disease development.

With such a Biology IA, your task is to explain how pathogens including bacteria or viruses invade the body, replicate, and cause illness. You also need to provide strategies for prevention and treatment.

Exploring the effects of viruses on host genetic material.

This involves investigating the interactions between viruses and the genetic material of their hosts. You need to highlight the impact these pathogens can have on cellular function and disease progression.

Analysing the mechanisms underlying allergic reactions.

Study the immunological processes that trigger allergic responses. Explain how the body’s defense mechanisms work as well as describe potential strategies for allergy prevention and treatment.

How Can I Prepare for the IA?

You have chosen Biology as part of your IB Diploma Programme for a reason. Perhaps, you wanted to know more about the world around you or your own body. But are there specific areas of Biology that you’re most interested in?

Maybe you’re fascinated by cell structures, mechanisms of adaptation to the surroundings, or you want to know how diseases appear? Use your curiosity as a starting point for your Internal Assessment.

Once you have a general area, it’s time to turn it into a specific research question. The most important is to make your question narrow enough so that you can investigate it within a limited time.

For example, instead of asking something broad like “How does food affect health?”, you can narrow it down to “How does eating saturated fats compared to unsaturated fats affect blood cholesterol levels?”

However, being unique and specific are not the only requirements for your research question. It also needs to be doable. This means you need to consider the resources you have on hand.

Can you do your experiment with the equipment available at school or at home? Are there any ethical considerations for your topic? If you have any doubts, you should discuss them with your teacher to prevent any unexpected challenges down the line.

Besides choosing an appropriate research topic, your IA will consist of the following steps:

Selecting dependent, independent, and control variables;
preparing the necessary equipment and materials;
creating a clear and detailed methodology;
conveying your experiment and meticulously writing down your results;
analysing and evaluating your findings;
creating a report of up to 3000 words.

We have a guide on how to write your IB Biology Internal Assessment – make sure to use it to aim to secure all 24 points.

Conclusions

Your IB Biology Internal Assessment is both exciting and challenging. It provides an excellent opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a real scientist. But it also means that you need to be just as meticulous as one, from choosing your topic to recording your findings. And here is where many students get stuck.

If you, too, find yourself in hot water, don’t be afraid to ask for help. TutorsPlus is a team of experienced Biology tutors, certified teachers and IB examiners who are happy to assist you in your Internal Assessment journey.

We understand the importance of the IA in your overall IB Biology score and want to help you achieve your best. With our support, you will be able to write a high-quality Internal Assessment that showcases your scientific understanding and research skills.

You can contact us at 022 731 8148 or [email protected]. We are excited to help you get 24 marks for your IA.

Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education. She is also a parent of two lively children.

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50 IB Biology IA Ideas

Household cleaning products on the growth of house plants

How do cleaning products affect the growth of house plants? Test how different household cleaning products affect seed germination!

Experimental setup: In this experiment, you will expose seeds in a germinating environment to different household products solutions at increasing concentrations. The will (hopefully) impact the success of germination.

Independent Variable: Different household cleaning products/increasing concentrations of cleaning product.

Dependent Variable: Rate of Seed Germination

Effect of Salt on Different Seed Germination

IB Biology IA Ideas

Halophytes grow in Salty conditions whereas normal plants don’t. How do halophyte seeds respond to increasing salt concentrations compared to normal seeds?

Experimental setup: construct a seed germination experiment with different seeds and add increasing solutions of NaCl, observing the impact of increasing salt concentration in different seeds.

Independent Variable: Halophyte seed vs Normal Plant seed

Colours of light on the effectiveness of phototropism

Auxin hormone is largely responsible for controlling the direction of plant growth. Does it matter what type of light the plant is exposed to affect the growth of auxin?

Experimental setup: Place a corn seed in a dark cupboard with a single light source. Observe how changing the colour of the light source impacts the success of phototropism!

Independent Variable: Colours of light

Dependent Variable: Degree of growth of plant towards a light source

Abiotic factors on the Biodiversity in a habitat

Different abiotic factors affect the growth of different plants, test the different conditions and then note how plant species change in their presence.

Experimental setup: In this ecological experiment, you will use quadrat sampling to test how successfully different plant species grow in environments. Read more about quadrat sampling here

Independent Variable: Soil pH, Nitrates in Soil, Oxygen concentration

Dependent Variable: Presence or absence of certain species

Challenges: Providing biological context for why you’re measuring certain factors.

Stomatal Density in Different Conditions

Stomata are the areas of gas exchange in leaves. Different plants that live in different conditions will have different requirements for gas exchange.

Experimental Setup: F ocus on how leaves in different conditions vary in their stomatal density. Test the stomatal density of different leaves exposed to variable conditions using a microscope.

Independent Variable: Light exposure, Different Species, Atmospheric CO2 concentration

Dependent Variable: Stomatal density (seen under the microscope)

Challenges : mathematical analysis

Comparing different plant species transpiration rate changes in response to stimuli

Different plants will change their transpiration rates in response to the environment. Investigate how different species of plants respond differently to environmental stimuli.

Experimental setup: Use a potometer to measure the rate of transpiration. Change the different conditions in which the plants are found as well as the species.

Independent Variable: Plant species + humidity/temperature/ light intensity

Dependent Variable: Rate of transpiration

Whats next?

We hope our list of Internal Assessment Ideas was useful.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to actually write an IA once you’ve chosen your topic, check out our IA Checklist post!

If you’re struggling with the Paper 2 Data Based Questions, we also have a post about that here .

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12 Examples and Tips for IB Biology IA

May 4, 2022 | IB subjects

IA is one of the many things IB students struggle with, but some might feel that writing the IA in Biology is especially confusing since it covers broad topics. This post is for those who are having a hard time coming up with a topic, are worried about writing the IA in Biology overall, or are interested in Biology but not so sure about taking it because of IA. An overview of the subject IB Biology can also be seen in a previous post: Exam Strategy for IB Biology (HL/SL) .

1. Overview of Biology IA

Both HL and SL students are expected to write an IA ( Internal Assessment ) in Biology which accounts for 20% of the final grade . The IA in biology is expected to be a 6-12 pages long report about an investigation a student carries out based on their own hypothesis.

1.1 IA Criteria

HL and SL share the same IA criteria and it’s important to understand the criteria before and while carrying out the investigation for your IA. (Reference: Biology Teacher Support Material )

2. Examples of Biology IA Topics

Many IB graduates have kindly answered an online survey by MakeSensei and given examples of IA topics in IB Biology. Some of them are RQs (Research Questions), so you might want to see the pattern of how they make RQs for your future IA.

What is the effect of exposure to different concentration of sodium chloride solutions for different duration time on the germination percentage, mean germination time, and relative injury rate of Ipomoea aquatica?
Lactic acid experiment in milk
What is the effect of sodium chloride concentration (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 %) on the rate of hydrolysis of 1.0 % starch solution by 2.0 % ɑ-amylase (Bacillus subtilis), measured as the rate of decrease in absorbance value (Au s–1), using Spectrophotometer Vis at 434.2nm?
Protein-digestive enzyme
What is the effect of fertiliser quantity on evening levels of dissolved oxygen in river water samples over a period of two weeks?
An Investigation into the Effect of Different Types and Concentrations of Pesticides (Orthoran Acephate, Kadan Safe, Kadan Plus DX) on Seed Germination: Observing Plant Growth of ErucaSativa, Brassica Oleracea, Lepidium Sativum and Perilla Frutescens
An investigation into the effect of sodium chloride on plant germination and its growth.
(Title: How to make delicious natto) RQ: What is the effect of pre-soaking time of soybeans, 0.00, 3.00, 6.00, 9.00, and 12.00 hours (±0.05 hours), on the length of threads between separated fermented soybeans (natto) measured by a clear plastic ruler (±0.1cm)?
Effect of light intensity on the travel activity of a Physella acuta
Investigating the effect of concentration of the salt solution on germination and growth of cotton and spinach seeds
Investigating the correlation of the length of knee roots of a mangrove and the number of holes crabs make in the given area
Effect of temperature on denaturation of albumin protein

3. Tips for Biology IA

3.1 Set Appropriate Independent/Dependent Variables

In order to carry out the investigation with sufficient sample size and trials, there needs to be independent and dependent variables that are both appropriate in terms of the purpose of your investigation. If you want to find out the relationship between X and Y (how X influences Y), then your independent variable should be X and your dependent variable should be Y. Both variables should be measurable , meaning quantitative, to allow various statistical analyses. But having qualitative data is valued in discussion as well.

3.2 The More Data, The Better

It is known that you should have at least 25 samples of data for your Biology IA, but let us explain why. While having multiple trials is necessary for the investigation, each trial should also have multiple samples. Therefore, 5 trials with 5 samples each make up 25 samples in total. Having said that, your sample size is up to you, and having more than 25 samples would only make your data more robust . But make sure you have enough time and energy to process the whole data.

3.3 Use Appropriate Secondary Sources

Doing background research on the field you’re focusing on in IA is required to back up your hypothesis, discussion, and conclusion. A lot of people use secondary sources (sources that are not first-hand) and most often through the internet. But, using Wikipedia or personal blogs would not be appropriate for your IA because they may not be reliable, accurate information. Instead, you might want to use these websites to search for previous academic articles and journals.

Google Scholar
The World Factbook (provides you data about the country of your interest)

3.4 Don’t Forget Annotations and Citations

Annotations

An annotation is a short comment written near an image to give an explanation. Annotations are necessary when the image and its title don’t give enough explanation to specific objects in the image and your word count is limited. For example, when you’re showing your method with an image of instruments, readers might not understand why you chose those instruments to carry out your experiment. To avoid such inconvenience, annotations provide more detailed information than the title and the main text.

A citation is a short version of the reference to your source and it needs to be in-text or footnote. Every time you mention something that is not original or first-hand, you need to put citation(s) to prove where that statement comes from. If you miss citations, it will be considered plagiarism and you could fail the IB. Therefore, citations are important!! You could use Citation Machine to create a reference list and citation for each reference (check which style is preferred by your teacher).

IB subjects
Intro to IB

IB Biology IA Topics That Don’t Require Experiment

Welcome to this guide on IB Biology IA topics that don’t require experiments! If you’re an IB Biology student, you probably know that the Internal Assessment is a significant part of your final grade. It provides a chance for you to demonstrate your understanding of biological concepts and apply them to real-world situations.

The purpose of this blog post is to provide you with an overview of non-experimental IA topics that can be explored within different areas of biology. These topics don’t require conducting actual experiments, making them accessible to students who may not have the necessary resources or opportunities.

Now, you might wonder what exactly an IA is and how it differs from an extended essay. An IA is an investigative project unique to the IB Biology course, where you design and carry out your own research. In contrast, an extended essay focuses on analyzing existing research and providing a thorough written analysis. Both assessments are important in their own right, but for the purpose of this guide, we are focusing specifically on non-experimental IAs.

When selecting a non-experimental IA topic, certain criteria should be kept in mind. Firstly, the topic should be relevant to the IB Biology syllabus, ensuring that you address key concepts and learning objectives. Secondly, consider the availability of resources such as scientific articles, publications, and data analysis tools, as they will be essential in guiding your investigation. Finally, think about the feasibility of the topic in terms of materials, equipment, and time constraints.

Throughout the remainder of this guide, we will explore various non-experimental IA topic ideas covering different areas of biology. We will delve into Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity, and human physiology, offering you a range of options to choose from based on your interests and strengths.

By the end of this guide, you will have a solid grasp of the potential non-experimental IA topics available to you. Remember, while experiments are not necessary for these investigations, approaches such as literature reviews, data analysis, computer simulations, and mathematical modeling can be highly effective in addressing your research question.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of IB Biology IA topics that don’t require experiments!

Comparative Analysis of Genetic Mutations in Different Cancers: Utilizing available databases on genetic mutations to determine commonalities and differences.
Effect of Climate Change on Migratory Patterns of Birds: Analysis based on existing datasets from birdwatching databases.
Correlation between Human Development Index (HDI) and Prevalence of Infectious Diseases: An investigation using World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations databases.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Protein Sequences: Analyzing sequences to predict protein structures and their potential functions.
Evolutionary Relationships among Cetaceans: Using genetic databases to understand the relationships and evolutionary paths.
Review of the Impacts of Microplastics on Marine Life: A literature-based study of published research on the ingestion and impact of microplastics.
Role of Gut Microbiota in Human Health: Using secondary data to explore how variations in gut bacteria might relate to diseases like obesity, diabetes, or even mental health conditions.
Analyzing Trends in Antibiotic Resistance Globally: Utilizing global datasets to identify alarming trends and potential future challenges.
Molecular Mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s Disease: A review-based study focused on recent scientific literature.
Comparing Carbon Sequestration Rates among Different Forest Types: Using existing datasets to analyze which forests might be most effective in combating climate change.
Review of Current Strategies in Organ Transplant Rejection Prevention: Looking at recent medical literature to assess the latest advancements and their effectiveness.
Role of Epigenetics in Human Development and Disease: An exploration based on existing literature and datasets.
Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Aquatic Species: Using data from ecological studies to examine how these chemicals affect the physiology and reproductive capacities of aquatic life.
Trends in Bee Population Decline and Its Implications on Global Food Chains: Using available datasets to analyze potential future impacts.
The Relationship between Genetic Markers and Predisposition to Mental Health Disorders: An analysis based on available genetic and epidemiological data.
Review of the Biotechnological Applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in Agriculture: Understanding the benefits and potential risks.
Analysis of Disease Outbreaks and Their Relationship to Climate Anomalies: Using WHO data and global climate data to draw potential correlations.
The Biochemical Mechanisms of Different Diets on Human Health: A review of ketogenic, vegan, Mediterranean, and other diets.
Correlation between Pollution Levels and Asthma Prevalence in Urban Centers: Utilizing health and environmental data to draw connections.
Evolution of Resistance Mechanisms in Bacteria against Common Antibiotics: A review of literature to track the evolutionary changes in bacterial genomes in response to antibiotic pressure.

Importance of IA

The Internal Assessment plays a crucial role in the IB Biology curriculum and has a significant impact on the final grade. Understanding the importance of IA can help students approach their assessments with the right mindset and maximize their chances of success.

Firstly, the IA allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the course in a practical and meaningful way. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their understanding of key biological concepts and demonstrate their ability to conduct scientific investigations.

Secondly, the IA is designed to promote critical thinking and develop essential scientific skills, such as experimental design, data analysis, and evaluation. By engaging in the IA process, students learn how to plan experiments, collect and analyze data using appropriate techniques, and draw valid conclusions based on their findings.

Additionally, the IA enables students to demonstrate their ability to work independently and manage their time effectively. It requires careful planning, organization, and adherence to deadlines, which are crucial skills for success in higher education and beyond.

Making the most of the IA also holds immense value when it comes to the final grade. Typically, the IA contributes to a percentage of the overall mark in IB Biology. A well-executed IA can significantly boost a student’s grade, while a poorly thought-out or incomplete IA may impact their final result. Therefore, investing time and effort into the IA is vital to achieving academic success in IB Biology.

It is worth noting that the IA allows students to explore topics of personal interest within the broader scope of the subject. This flexibility provides students with the opportunity to further motivate themselves and make connections between the study of biology and real-world situations or local contexts.

In conclusion, the IA in IB Biology holds immense importance as it enables students to apply their knowledge, develop scientific skills, and manage their time effectively. It factors into the final grade and offers students the chance to immerse themselves in topics they are passionate about. Therefore, students should embrace the IA as a valuable opportunity to showcase their understanding and shine in their biology studies.

Definition of IB Biology IA

Welcome to the section where we shed light on what exactly an IA is in IB Biology, its purpose, and how it differs from an extended essay. If you’re new to the world of IB Biology Internal Assessments (IAs), don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

An IA, short for Internal Assessment, is a crucial component of your IB Biology course. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your scientific skills, knowledge, and understanding by conducting independent research on a chosen topic. Unlike exams, IAs offer you the chance to explore a specific area of biology that truly fascinates you.

The purpose of an IA is to encourage you to think critically, apply key biological concepts, and engage in the investigative process like a professional biologist would. Through your IA, you’ll learn valuable experimental techniques, enhance your data analysis skills, and develop your ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively – all of which are vital for your future academic and scientific pursuits.

Now, you might be wondering how an IA differs from an extended essay. Well, the main distinction lies in their focus and scope. While an IA allows you to explore a more narrow and specific research question within a particular area of biology, an extended essay offers a broader exploration of a biology-related topic. The IA emphasizes experimentation, data collection, and analysis, whereas the extended essay prioritizes in-depth literature research and an extensive review of existing knowledge and theories.

To put it simply, an IA is an opportunity for you to flex your scientific muscles by conducting original research within a focused framework, while an extended essay is a chance for a more extensive exploration of an academic subject.

So now that we’ve clarified what an IA is and how it differentiates from an extended essay, you can approach your IA with a clearer understanding of its purpose and expectations. Get ready to dive into the world of IB Biology IA topics that don’t require experiments!

(Note: This section provides a simple yet informative introduction to the concept of an IA in IB Biology, catering to a reading grade eight level. The actual blog post will expand on this explanation and provide further details.)

Criteria for selecting non-experimental IA topics

When choosing a non-experimental Internal Assessment (IA) topic for IB Biology, there are several criteria to keep in mind. These criteria include relevance to the syllabus, availability of resources, and feasibility.

Relevance to the syllabus: It’s important to select a topic that aligns with the concepts and content covered in the IB Biology syllabus. Choose a topic that allows you to explore and analyze biological principles in depth, ensuring it is directly related to the subject matter.
Availability of resources: Consider the availability and accessibility of relevant resources when selecting your IA topic. This includes scientific research articles, textbooks, online databases, and other sources of information and data. Ensure that you have access to a range of supportive resources that will allow you to gather accurate information and support your analysis.
Feasibility: Your IA topic should be feasible within the given time frame and available resources. Consider the practical aspects, such as the equipment, materials, and techniques required for an experiment-free investigation. By choosing a topic that is realistic and manageable, you can avoid unnecessary challenges and setbacks.

By considering these criteria, you can select a non-experimental IA topic that is relevant, well-supported, and achievable. It’s important to carefully evaluate potential topics against these criteria to ensure a successful IA project.

One example of a non-experimental IA topic that meets these criteria is the investigation of DNA sequencing techniques. While not an experimental procedure itself, analyzing and comparing existing DNA sequencing methods can provide valuable insights into their advantages, disadvantages, and applications in genetic research. This topic is highly relevant to the syllabus, readily supported by resources such as scientific journals, and feasible to conduct within the given constraints.

Remember, your IA topic should offer opportunities for deep analysis, critical thinking, and a demonstration of your understanding of biology concepts. By selecting a non-experimental IA topic that meets these criteria, you can confidently embark on your IA journey and produce a high-quality investigation.

Non-Experimental IA Topic Ideas Related to Cell Biology

If you are taking IB Biology and looking for IA topics that don’t require experiments, the field of Cell Biology can offer some intriguing options. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Cellular aging: Investigate the impact of factors like oxidative stress or telomere length on cellular aging. Explore the relevance of these findings in understanding the aging process in organisms.
Drug targeting: Examine different drug delivery approaches for targeting specific cell types using nanotechnology, focusing on their effectiveness and potential applications in medicine.
Cell communication: Explore the role of signaling molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, in intercellular communication. Investigate the importance of cell signaling pathways in physiological processes.
Cancer cell behavior: Analyze different cellular behaviors associated with cancer, such as uncontrolled proliferation or resistance to apoptosis. Investigate potential molecular mechanisms behind these behaviors and their implications for cancer treatment.
Plant cell specialization: Study the differentiation of plant cells into various specialized types, such as parenchyma, collenchyma, or sclerenchyma cells. Investigate the functional implications of these specialized cells in plant development and physiology.

Each of these topics offers a unique perspective on cell biology and provides an opportunity for you to delve deeper into understanding fundamental cellular processes. By exploring these areas, you’ll gain valuable insights into the complexities of cell structure and function.

Remember, when choosing a non-experimental IA topic in cell biology, consider the relevance to the syllabus and your own interests. Additionally, ensure that resources, such as scientific journals, books, or online databases, are readily available for conducting research.

In order to investigate these non-experimental IA topics, you can rely on existing literature, data analysis, computer simulations, or even mathematical modeling. Analyzing and synthesizing information from reliable sources will allow you to generate valuable insights without performing actual experiments.

Don’t be afraid to be creative! Take advantage of the vast body of knowledge in cell biology and explore areas that pique your curiosity. By selecting a non-experimental IA topic in cell biology, you can make meaningful contributions to the field while showcasing your investigative and analytical skills.

Continue reading to discover more non-experimental IA topic ideas in other areas of biology!

Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to Molecular Biology

In IB Biology, there are numerous fascinating non-experimental IA topics that you can explore within the field of Molecular Biology. These topics allow you to delve into the intricate world of molecules and their interactions, without needing to conduct experiments.

Gene expression regulation: Investigate the mechanisms by which genes are switched on or off in different organisms. Explore the importance of transcription factors, histone modification, and DNA methylation in gene expression. You could analyze existing research studies or use databases to collect data and draw conclusions about gene expression patterns.
Protein folding and misfolding: Examine the folding process of proteins, exploring factors such as pH, temperature, and presence of chaperones that affect proper folding. Research the consequences of protein misfolding, such as neurodegenerative diseases, and propose strategies to prevent or treat these conditions by targeting protein misfolding pathways.
Genetic engineering of crops: Investigate how genetic engineering techniques, such as using CRISPR-Cas9, can be used to modify plant genomes. Focus on specific genes involved in crop improvement, such as disease resistance or increased nutritional content, and discuss the potential benefits and ethical considerations of genetically modified crops.
Molecular basis of cancer: Explore the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. Analyze the role of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and epigenetic modifications in the initiation and growth of tumors. Discuss targeted therapies that exploit these molecular targets for the treatment of cancer.
Antibiotic resistance: Investigate the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Evaluate the role of horizontal gene transfer, genetic mutations, and the misuse of antibiotics in promoting resistance. Propose effective strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and prevent the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.

These non-experimental IA topics within Molecular Biology provide opportunities for in-depth research and analysis, without the need for practical experiments. You can delve into biological databases, scholarly articles, and real-world applications to enrich your exploration of these exciting topics.

When conducting your IA research, don’t forget to maintain academic integrity by citing your sources properly and critically analyzing the information you gather. Additionally, consult your teacher for guidance on resources and experimental procedures that can complement your non-experimental IA journey. Remember, exploring molecular biology through a non-experimental lens can be just as rewarding and insightful as conducting hands-on experiments.

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Non-experimental ia topic ideas related to ecology:.

If you’re interested in studying the interactions between organisms and their environments, ecology offers a wide range of non-experimental IA topic ideas. These topics allow you to explore ecological concepts and understand the intricate webs of life without conducting actual experiments. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

Investigating the impact of invasive species: Analyze the ecological consequences of invasive species in a particular ecosystem. Collect and analyze existing data on the abundance and distribution of native and invasive species, and examine how the invasion affects biodiversity and native community dynamics.
Examining the effects of climate change on species distribution: Use existing data or maps to study how climate change alters the ranges of different species. Analyze trends and patterns in species distribution over time to determine how climate change influences the ecological makeup of an area.
Assessing the effectiveness of wildlife conservation strategies: Choose a specific conservation strategy, such as protected areas or habitat restoration programs, and evaluate its success in preserving biodiversity. Explore scientific literature and reports to gather data and assess the importance of these strategies in maintaining ecosystems.
Analyzing the impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems: Investigate the effects of various pollutants, such as industrial chemicals or agricultural runoff, on the health of aquatic ecosystems. Collect and analyze water quality data, assess the ecological consequences of pollution, and propose mitigation measures.

When analyzing these non-experimental IA topics in ecology, it’s important to incorporate appropriate data analysis or modeling approaches:

Data analysis: Utilize statistical methods such as regression analysis, t-tests, or chi-square tests to evaluate patterns or associations in ecological data sets.
Computer simulations: Develop and run computer simulations to explore how changes in ecological variables affect ecosystem dynamics, species interactions, or population growth.
Mathematical modeling: Use mathematical models, such as population growth models or food web dynamics models, to examine theoretical scenarios or predict ecological trends.

Remember, your IA topic should adhere to IB Biology guidelines and align with your interests and available resources. By delving into ecological non-experimental IA topics, you can deepen your understanding of the complex relationships between organisms and their environments.

Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to Genetics

When it comes to genetics, there are numerous non-experimental IA topics that you can explore. These topics allow you to delve into specific genetic processes, inheritance patterns, or genetic disorders without conducting actual experiments. Let’s explore some fascinating ideas below:

The role of genetic mutations in the development of cancer: Investigate the different types of genetic mutations found in cancer cells and how they contribute to the initiation and progression of tumors.
The impact of genetic testing on predicting and preventing inheritable diseases: Examine the use of genetic testing in identifying individuals at risk for inheritable diseases and discuss the ethical concerns surrounding this practice.
Analyze the inheritance patterns of genetically inherited disorders: Explore how various genetic disorders are inherited, such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease, by studying family pedigrees and genetic profiles.
The influence of genetic factors on behavior: Investigate the role of genetics in shaping behavioral traits, such as intelligence, aggression, or addictive tendencies, by analyzing studies involving twins or adoption.
Genetic engineering and its ethical implications: Examine the ethical considerations surrounding the use of genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR, to modify the genomes of organisms, including humans.
The genetics of taste perception: Explore the genetic basis for differences in taste perception among individuals, examining specific genes involved in taste receptors and discussing their impact on food preferences.
Genetic variations in drug response: Investigate how genetic variations influence an individual’s response to specific drugs, focusing on identifying genetic markers associated with drug efficacy or adverse reactions.

Each of these non-experimental IA topics provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of genetics and its applications. By exploring the particular genetic processes, inheritance patterns, or genetic disorders associated with these topics, you can showcase your knowledge and research skills without the need for experimental work.

Remember, when selecting a topic, consider its relevance to the IB Biology syllabus, the availability of resources, and the feasibility of conducting research in a non-experimental manner. Genetics offers a multitude of fascinating study opportunities that will allow you to explore the intricacies of inheritance, gene expression, and genetic disorders.

Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to Evolution and Biodiversity

When it comes to studying evolution and biodiversity, conducting experiments can be challenging. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore fascinating topics in this field for your IB Biology IA. Here are some non-experimental IA topic ideas that delve into the key evolutionary concepts and patterns:

Comparative analysis of homologous structures: Investigate different organisms and examine how their similar anatomical features suggest a common ancestor. Explore the concept of divergent evolution and predict similarities in anatomical structures in organisms with shared ancestry.
Investigating adaptive radiation: Analyze a group of organisms that have evolved from a common ancestor but now occupy diverse habitats or exhibit various adaptations. Explore the ecological factors driving this radiation and discuss the underlying mechanisms of speciation.
Studying convergent evolution: Select different organisms from diverse taxonomic groups and explore similar traits, such as wings in bats and birds, despite not having a recent common ancestor. Investigate the environmental pressures leading to the development of analogous structures.
Examining biogeography and evolutionary history: Focus on a specific region and investigate the distribution of related species across different habitats. Analyze the impact of historical events and environmental changes on the evolution and distribution of these organisms.
Investigating coevolutionary relationships: Choose two or more interacting species and explore how their evolutionary histories have influenced and shaped each other. Discuss examples of mutualistic relationships, predator-prey coevolution, or host-parasite interactions.

These non-experimental IA topics related to evolution and biodiversity provide you with ample opportunities to research and analyze the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Remember, even though you won’t be conducting hands-on experiments, it’s essential to gather information from reliable sources and critically evaluate the existing knowledge and theories in the field.

A well-structured IA focusing on key concepts and patterns of evolution will demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter and critical thinking skills. Make sure to document your research process, including proper citations and references to ensure academic integrity.

By tackling these non-experimental IA topics linked to evolution and biodiversity, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex processes that have shaped the natural world. These projects allow you to delve into the fascinating principles of evolution and explore the incredible diversity of life around us without the need for experimental components.

Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to human physiology

When it comes to exploring human physiology for your IB Biology IA, you don’t always have to conduct experiments. There are plenty of non-experimental IA topic ideas that can shed light on various aspects of the human body. These topics focus on different body systems and specific physiological processes that play a crucial role in maintaining our health and well-being.

1. Body temperature regulation: Investigate how the human body regulates its temperature under different environmental conditions, such as extreme cold or heat. Explore the physiological mechanisms involved and discuss their importance in maintaining homeostasis.

2. Respiratory system efficiency: Analyze the factors affecting lung capacity and how they can contribute to variations in respiratory efficiency among individuals. Explore the relationship between lung capacity and physical fitness levels.

3. Cardiac output and exercise: Examine the changes in cardiac output during exercise and investigate the influence of factors such as heart rate, stroke volume, and blood pressure on overall cardiovascular health.

4. Effects of stress on the immune system: Explore how chronic stress can undermine the effectiveness of the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections and diseases. Discuss the physiological mechanisms involved and potential coping strategies.

5. Role of hormones in puberty: Investigate the role of hormones in the onset of puberty, focusing on the interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and reproductive organs. Discuss the physiological changes that occur during this developmental stage.

6. Impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function: Explore the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive processes such as memory, attention, and decision-making. Discuss the underlying physiological mechanisms and potential strategies to improve sleep quality.

7. Impact of nutrition on metabolism: Analyze the effects of different dietary components, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, on metabolism and energy production in the human body. Contrast the benefits and drawbacks of various nutritional approaches.

These non-experimental IA topics provide ample opportunities to delve into the fascinating world of human physiology. They allow you to explore the intricacies of our body systems and understand how physiological processes contribute to our overall health. While conducting experiments is undoubtedly valuable, investigating these non-experimental topics will also equip you with critical research and analysis skills essential for success in IB Biology.

(Note: Remember to adjust and expand the content based on your personal preferences and available resources.)

Study Design and Methodologies

When designing and structuring a non-experimental Internal Assessment (IA) for IB Biology, there are several methodologies you can consider. While traditional experiments involve conducting hands-on research, non-experimental IAs focus on analyzing existing data, literature review, computer simulations, or mathematical modeling to answer your research question. Here are some options to explore:

Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of scientific articles, books, or published research papers. Summarize and synthesize the findings from these sources to address your research question.
Data Analysis: If relevant data sets are available, analyze and interpret the data to draw conclusions. You can use statistical tests, graphs, or charts to present your findings effectively.
Computer Simulations: Utilize computer software or online simulations to model biological processes or phenomena. These simulations rely on mathematical algorithms, allowing you to test various scenarios and observe outcomes without conducting physical experiments.
Mathematical Modeling: Develop mathematical equations or models to represent biological systems or interactions. By inputting different variables into these models, you can simulate the behavior or predict the outcomes of specific biological phenomena.

Regardless of the methodology chosen, it is important to demonstrate critical thinking skills, data interpretation abilities, and a sound understanding of the topic. Organize your IA in a clear and logical manner, using appropriate headings and subheadings to aid readability. Make sure to include the following sections:

Introduction: Clearly state your research question or problem you aim to address. Provide an overview of the biological concepts and background information necessary to understand your IA.
Methodology: Describe the chosen methodology in detail. Explain why it is suitable for your research question and indicate any limitations or potential biases that may affect the validity of your findings.
Data Analysis: Present and analyze the data, simulations, or mathematical models you have utilized. Use appropriate statistical tools, graphs, and visuals to enhance the understanding of your findings.
Discussion: Interpret your results in relation to your research question. Address any inconsistencies or limitations in your study and propose areas for further exploration or improvement.
Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and their significance. Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your IA, suggesting potential implications and future directions for research in the field.

Remember, non-experimental IAs encourage critical thinking, analysis, and creativity while acknowledging the limitations and constraints of not conducting primary research. Through careful method selection and thoughtfully crafted investigations, you can still provide valuable insights and contribute to the field of IB Biology.

In this guide, we have explored the world of IB Biology IA topics that don’t require experiments. We began by understanding the significance of the Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Biology and its impact on the final grade. The IA provides students the opportunity to showcase their understanding of key biological concepts and skills.

An IA differs from an extended essay in that it is more focused and practical. It requires students to apply their knowledge and skills to analyze data, evaluate scientific information, and make informed conclusions.

When selecting non-experimental IA topics, several criteria should be kept in mind. The topic should align with the syllabus and cover relevant concepts. Additionally, the availability of resources and feasibility are vital factors to consider.

We have provided lists of non-experimental IA topics across various fields of biology. In the realm of Cell Biology, topics such as membrane transport and cell signaling offer intriguing research avenues. Molecular Biology opens possibilities in gene expression, DNA replication, and protein synthesis. Ecology allows for investigations into population dynamics and ecological modeling. For those interested in Genetics, topics like genetic inheritance and the study of genetic disorders present interesting avenues for exploration. The realm of Evolution and Biodiversity delves into fascinating themes of speciation and adaptation. Lastly, in human physiology, topics focused on body systems like respiration and cardiovascular function can be explored without direct experimentation.

When designing a non-experimental IA, there are various methodologies available, such as literature review, data analysis, computer simulations, or mathematical modeling. Choosing an appropriate methodology depends on the topic and research question at hand.

To conclude, non-experimental IA topics provide an excellent opportunity for students to delve into the depths of biology theory, critical thinking, and analysis. By selecting a topic that aligns with their interests and available resources, students can deepen their understanding and appreciation of the biological world. We encourage you to explore these ideas further, as there are endless possibilities awaiting you in the fascinating realm of biology.

4. Criteria for selecting non-experimental IA topics

When choosing a non-experimental IA topic for IB Biology, it is important to consider several criteria to ensure its suitability. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a topic that aligns with the syllabus and is feasible to carry out.

Relevance to the syllabus: First and foremost, choose a topic that is directly related to the concepts covered in the IB Biology syllabus. This will ensure that your IA is grounded in the core content of the course and demonstrates your understanding of key biological principles.

Availability of resources: Consider the availability of resources required for conducting experiments. Non-experimental topics rely on existing data, published studies, or theoretical analysis. Make sure that sufficient and reliable resources are accessible to support your research and analysis.

Feasibility: It is important to choose a research question that is achievable within the scope of an IA. Given the time constraints and limitations of the IA format, select a topic that can be explored comprehensively without the need for experimental data collection or extensive laboratory work.

Ethical considerations: Evaluate if your chosen topic adheres to ethical standards. Non-experimental IAs should not involve any harm or experimentation on animals or humans. The focus should be on analyzing existing data or carrying out theoretical investigations.

Potential for personal engagement: Select a topic that genuinely interests you and allows for personal engagement. Being genuinely interested in your research question will make the process more enjoyable and lead to a more compelling IA.

By considering these criteria, you can select a non-experimental IA topic that not only meets the requirements of the assessment but also allows for meaningful exploration and demonstration of your knowledge and understanding of IB Biology concepts.

Looking for more help with your Internal Assessment? Check out our IB IA Writing Service or buy Internal Assessment .

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The Role of TOK in Interdisciplinary Understanding

TOK encourages students to look into how different types of information connect and combine, which leads to a more all-around way of learning. TOK acts as a link between subjects that might otherwise seem unconnected, such as relating mathematical ideas to natural patterns or examining the moral ramifications of science developments.

How to Conduct Effective Peer Reviews in IB Projects?

Peer review in IB projects is a vital skill that can greatly improve the quality of your projects and your academic growth. From what I’ve seen, peer reviews are a great way to get helpful feedback, see things from different angles, and make your work better.

Utilizing Digital Tools for IB Study and Research

Now that we live in a digital world, using technology to its fullest can greatly improve your IB study and research. Staying prepared, controlling time, and conducting research have never been simpler thanks to the abundance of apps and platforms available. The important thing is to know which tools will help you reach your school goals.

How to Balance Extracurricular Activities and IB Studies?

Balancing extracurricular activities and IB studies can feel like walking a tightrope, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible to manage both effectively. In fact, many IB students successfully juggle academic demands with sports, clubs, and hobbies. The key lies in prioritization, time management, and staying organized.

What Is the IB Learner Profile? Attributes and Benefits

It’s more than just a framework; the IB learner profile is a list of ten traits that are meant to help students become well-rounded, globally aware people. As an IB writer, I can say that these characteristics, like thinking, communicating, and keeping an open mind, help students grow mentally and socially.

How to Write a Successful IB TOK Exhibition?

To make a successful TOK exhibition, carefully choose the objects, provide clear comments, and plan. As a teacher of IB writing for many years, I’ve seen that students who approach the task with an organized plan and a lot of thought often come up with the best presentations. Don’t rush through the process.

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Annotating IA Investigations
The Investigation

Once students have finished their Individual Investigation that's it! They won't complete another assessed experiment during their IB and this makes me consider the way I annotate the investigations while I'm marking them. That is not to say that experiment skills will not be assessed in section A or paper 3, or in the data analysis questions. But it does mean that there is little benefit in pointing out student errors in the final marking of the investigation.

I begin with the plan or the first draft which is discussed with students & annotated by the student themselves as a guide to the their next steps. As teachers we are expected to support and guide students in their choice of topic or the type of experiment.

Secondly there is a first draft which I annotate to help students spot problems and things to improve. We are allowed to give general guidance and point out statements in the marking criteria which haven't been addressed. The IB guides says,"teachers should read and give advice to students on one draft of the work. The teacher should provide oral or written advice on how the work could be improved, but must not edit the work."

The final draft is the copy of the investigation which ends up on the screen of the moderator. I put comments addressed to the moderator on this work explaining why I think the student deserves a certain grade. Like the the comment shown above. Words from the grade descriptors are OK but it is even better to mention specific things in the work as well.

The moderator is an important person who I want to understand that I have understood the marking criteria correctly and that the students' work meets the criteria for the marks I have awarded. We are all human I can miss things and so can the moderator, so I want to help make the important decisions visible.

It's too late for the students and these comments don't help the moderator.

The student may be frustrated that they can't do anything about these errors.

Where to annotate ?

Many teachers probably use a rubric or a marking sheet (e.g. IA Investigation - marking sheet) to summarise the comments and decide the mark. This is a really useful summary tool for the teacher marking and everyone has their preferred style. Comments explaining how the judgments were made will help the moderator too. However, I think it's easier for the moderator if my annotations appear in the students work itself next to the evidence.

It is possible to annotate word documents easily like this, shown above. Adobe reader has some very good commenting functions now for pdf files and I think that Google docs work well too, although I haven't used Google docs for investigations myself. Chris Hamper ( Inthinking Physics site author) uses callouts rather than comments in Google classroom on a Google doc for drafts. These Google callouts are hidden in the final version which is saved as a pdf and comments to the moderator are added to the pdf. Chris uses Foxit but it is also possible to annotate a pdf using Adobe acrobat reader.

This is an example of a pdf annotation made with acrobat reader. Of course you can choose the colour and font size.

Handwritten comments, when they are easy to read, have the advantage of being closer to the work and the marking is perhaps a little quicker, but remember the time you will spend scanning and uploading the work later. I'd recommend that students use a wider line spacing or double spacing between paragraphs to leave space for written comments. This is already required for the Extended essay, and TOK essays.

For all comments I would recommend using code letters which refer to the assessment aspects to which the comment refers and also a number or a range of numbers which show the mark thought justifiable for this particular point. This way it is easy to scan the work for all comments which highlight all the supporting evidence for each mark awarded, eg. Exploration (EX:)

For example;

"PE:2 Student shows a genuine interest, including creativity in the use of DIY apparatus in the method",
"EX: 3/4 relevant background info",
"A: 5/6 sufficient raw data - supports a detailed conclusion",
"EV: 1/2 An outline conclusion supported by data but incomplete",
"COM: 1/2 The labeling on tables & graphs missing detail, impossible to understand".

Once finished marking a section I look at all my annotations with their grade estimates and decide an overall grade for each section. If it is clear the moderator will be able to do the same thing.

I have a simple summary sheet with extra notes scribbled all over it to help me to remember all the aspects which need to be considered for each section and you can find a copy of a similar summary here: IA Investigation - marking sheet

Personally I would avoid using software which puts a small icon next to the work and a list of comments at the end of the investigation. The moderator will have to make quite an effort to reconnect the comments to their specific places in the work.

If we can help the moderator, who is working hard at their computer reading through the script and trying to decide whether our judgments are in line with the senior moderator, they will be more likely to moderate our work well and in a better position to give us clear feedback of any discrepancies between our marking and the senior moderator. Of course the best source of advice for these details will be the Chief examiner's report which is published on the OCC.

Thanks to Geoff Neuss ( Inthinking Chemistry site author) and Chris Hamper ( Inthinking Physics site author) for their helpful comments on this page.

Disclaimer: Below is a written guide by a student who achieved 23/24 in their IA.

A table comparing experiment-based and database IAs

Use the same equation to calculate the skewness coefficient of your dependent variable data.

In short, the results of a skewness analysis can be presented in a table, as follows:

degrees of freedom : the number of values in the final calculation of a statistic that are free to vary. The degrees of freedom for an investigation is calculated as the number of data pairs minus 2 (e.g. for my investigation, which had 31 data pairs, there would be 29 degrees of freedom)
level of confidence : the level of confidence when determining statistical significance refers to the risk that the correlation investigated is due to chance. Typically, a level of confidence of 0.05 is chosen, which denotes a 5% risk that the correlation investigated is due to chance.

High School Persuasive Essay

Ai generator.

The Case for Extended Lunch Periods in High Schools

Imagine a school day where students are not only fed but also rejuvenated, energized, and ready to learn. This vision can become a reality if high schools implement extended lunch periods. Lengthening the lunch break from the typical 30 minutes to at least 45 minutes will enhance students’ physical and mental well-being, improve academic performance, and foster social connections.

First and foremost, a longer lunch period directly contributes to students’ physical health. Current lunch schedules often force students to rush through their meals, leading to poor eating habits. Research shows that students who eat quickly are more likely to choose unhealthy food options and overeat later in the day. By extending lunch, students will have more time to enjoy balanced meals, promoting better nutrition and encouraging healthier choices. Additionally, with more time to eat, students will have a chance to relax and digest their food, reducing the likelihood of discomfort and promoting overall health.

Moreover, an extended lunch period can significantly improve students’ mental well-being. High school can be a stressful environment, with academic pressures and extracurricular commitments overwhelming students. A longer lunch break offers a necessary respite, allowing students to recharge. Studies indicate that taking breaks during the school day enhances concentration and reduces anxiety. With more time to unwind, students can engage in mindfulness practices, socialize with friends, or simply enjoy some quiet time. This balance is crucial for mental health and can lead to improved focus and productivity in the afternoon classes.

Additionally, a longer lunch period can foster stronger social connections among students. Social interaction is essential for developing communication skills and emotional intelligence, both of which are critical for success in life. Currently, the short lunch breaks do not provide adequate time for meaningful conversations or activities. With more time, students can engage in clubs, play sports, or simply hang out with peers. These interactions not only enhance friendships but also build a sense of community within the school, contributing to a positive school culture.

Opponents may argue that extended lunch periods disrupt the academic schedule and reduce instructional time. However, this concern can be mitigated by slightly adjusting class durations to accommodate the longer lunch without sacrificing overall learning time. Furthermore, the benefits of a longer lunch—improved health, enhanced focus, and strengthened social bonds—far outweigh the minor scheduling adjustments.

In conclusion, extending lunch periods in high schools is a necessary change that will benefit students’ physical health, mental well-being, and social development. By prioritizing students’ needs and providing them with the time to recharge, schools can create an environment that fosters academic success and personal growth. It is time for school administrations to recognize the importance of extended lunch periods and take action to implement this positive change.

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IB Biology IA examples
Starting from the May 2025 session, the Biology IA requirements have changed. We created a couple of exemplars to show you how the new IA should look like. It's OK to refer to the old Biology IA exemplars (since the new IA is quite similar) for inspiration/ideas, but make sure to follow the new requirements. Read more
Biology IA Format and Structure [2025 updated]
Example: The conclusion clearly re-states the aim of the essay, as well as a statement to which the research question has been answered (results support the hypothesis). Graphical trends and uncertainties are discussed in relation to the research question, such as the relationship between the variables.
IB Biology Internal Assessment (23/24)
Below I will attach a PDF of my Biology IA (submitted for Biology HL). It scored 23/24 (which, according to the boundaries of the M20 session, was a 7). ... IB Biology Extended Essay (31/34) IB Physics. IB Physics Flashcards and Notes (2016 syllabus) ... and standardise it. Standardising data allows you to fairly compare it. For example, in my ...
IB Biology IA Ideas (30+ Topics)
IB Resources Question Bank IB Flashcards IA Examples EE Examples Pricing Cart Login Register (It's Free) IB Biology IA ideas (30+ topics) - A Goldmine You Can't Ignore. ... Along with a bundle of Past Papers, these premium SL notes include guides for your Extended Essay and Internal Assessments with helpful examples! You certainly want to take ...
IB Biology IA: 60 Examples and Guidance
Here are examples with details of potential research questions, written by expert IB Biology tutors and teachers, that could inspire your Biology IA: 1 - Investigating the effect of different types of sugars on the rate of fermentation by yeast.
Biology IA Criteria and Checklist [2025 updated]
Drawing from extensive experience with numerous revised essays, here are our recommendations. This post covers the new Science IA syllabus starting from the May 2025 exam session. The Biology internal assessment, accounting for 20% of the HL and 25% of the SL score, is graded on a total of 24 points, evaluating the following aspects: Criterion ...
IB Biology IA Examples
View IB biology IA examples, download Internal assessments for IB biology IA ideas, and browse bio IA topics and example IA courseworks. Tiber Tutor. Tiber Tutor. The Team. The Resources. The Experience. The Results. The Memberships. About. Biology. Biology 2025. Chemistry. Chemistry 2025. Physics.
30+ Biology IA Topic Ideas: Working Examples and Tips
Exams aren't the only thing that matters in IB Biology. One-fifth of your final grade comes from the Internal Assessment (IA), and you'll need those 24 marks it awards. This means that everything, from choosing a Biology IA topic to conveying your experiment and describing it in a report, needs to be carefully thought about.
50 IB Biology IA Ideas
IB Biology IA Ideas Different abiotic factors affect the growth of different plants, test the different conditions and then note how plant species change in their presence. Experimental setup: In this ecological experiment, you will use quadrat sampling to test how successfully different plant species grow in environments.
How to Write a Top Tier Biology IA (With Examples)
Although it is challenging, requiring sustained focus and well developed research and writing skills, it is not insurmountable. In fact, our IB Biology tutors have found that the reason why students most often struggle with the Internal Assessment is because they lack the right guidance. This is where an experienced tutor can make all the ...
12 Examples and Tips for IB Biology IA
1. Overview of Biology IA. Both HL and SL students are expected to write an IA (Internal Assessment) in Biology which accounts for 20% of the final grade. The IA in biology is expected to be a 6-12 pages long report about an investigation a student carries out based on their own hypothesis. 1.1 IA Criteria. HL and SL share the same IA criteria ...
IB Biology IA Topics That Don't Require Experiment
While an IA allows you to explore a more narrow and specific research question within a particular area of biology, an extended essay offers a broader exploration of a biology-related topic. The IA emphasizes experimentation, data collection, and analysis, whereas the extended essay prioritizes in-depth literature research and an extensive ...
Biology SL IA Examples
22 Tok Essays Examples. Exemplary TOK essays. Master your writing. 13 Tok Exhibition Examples. Top TOK exhibitions. Impress in assessments. ... And Neutrality Impact Plant Growth. Explore This IB Biology SL Sample IA For Insightful Analysis And Detailed Observations. Biology SL. 6/7. 116 Likes. 20 mins read. 3856 words. English. May.
Science (Bio/Chem/Phys) IA writing guide : r/IBO
The guide is written with each section of the IA in the order it would appear in the written draft. Both students and teachers have informed me of the guide's usefulness. So far, all of my Biology students have been awarded a 7 on their IA (post moderation) and the average of the IA of other courses I graded have been ~6.
IB Biology EE examples
High scoring IB Biology Extended Essay examples. See what past students did and make your Biology EE perfect by learning from examiner commented examples! ... JOIN FOR FREE. Home. EE. Biology. IB Biology EE examples. Filter. Filter exemplars. IB College. ... IA. EE. TOK. Notes. Subject. Type a subject. Type a subject. Grade. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1 ...
DP Biology: Annotating IA Investigations
Dissection of an example investigation (IA) Topic tests for 2025 exams. A1.1 Water - topic test; A1.1 Water topic test - model answers ... 30 investigation ideas for Biology IA. Investigating strawberries with a glucose test meter; ... This is already required for the Extended essay, and TOK essays. ...
Links to some EE, IA, and TOK examples : r/IBO
I found these while digging through my notes and they might be helpful to someone else, so here they are. (Posting the links of non-IB approved…
Biology IA word count and page limit [2025 UPDATED]
Biology IA is a scientific investigation that should take up to 3,000 words. There is no page limit. There is no page limit. It is recommended to use a 12-point font with double spacing.
Example IA
Disclaimer: Below is a written guide by a student who achieved 23/24 in their IA. biology-higher-level-internal-assessment-may-2020Download Across my three sciences (Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Physics SL), I wrote two experiment-based IAs and one database IA. As such, I feel as though I have a pretty solid understanding of the pros and cons of each IA…
High School Persuasive Essay [Edit & Download]
AP Biology; AP Environmental Science; AP Physics 1; AP® Physics 2: Algebra-Based; ... High School Persuasive Essay. Last Updated: October 23, 2024. Notes; AI Generator . Free Download. ... 10 Examples of Public speaking. 20 Examples of Gas lighting. Free Download. Free Interactive Resources

IB Biology Internal Assessment (23/24)

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IB Biology IA: 60 Examples and Guidance

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What are some example research questions?

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30+ Biology IA Topics Ideas: New Topics for 2024

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Research Design

Data Analysis

30+ IB Biology IA Topic Ideas

Ecology and Environment

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50 IB Biology IA Ideas

Household cleaning products on the growth of house plants

Effect of Salt on Different Seed Germination

Colours of light on the effectiveness of phototropism

Abiotic factors on the Biodiversity in a habitat

Stomatal Density in Different Conditions

Comparing different plant species transpiration rate changes in response to stimuli

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12 Examples and Tips for IB Biology IA

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IB Biology IA Topics That Don’t Require Experiment

Importance of IA

Definition of IB Biology IA

Criteria for selecting non-experimental IA topics

Non-Experimental IA Topic Ideas Related to Cell Biology

Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to Molecular Biology

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Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to Genetics

Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to Evolution and Biodiversity

Non-experimental IA topic ideas related to human physiology

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4. Criteria for selecting non-experimental IA topics

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