Biology is the science of living organisms and life processes, including the study of structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. Biology is taught throughout our school and the Biology Department is very engaged, with many trips, activities, and practical works in which pupils can become involved. We believe pupils should have direct experience of the phenomena they are studying; and this is backed up by the hands on activities during the lessons.
The department takes full advantage of the fact that BELS is only 12.5 km from Teke River where pupils conduct their research for Internal Assessment of IBDP. As well as an annual ecology field trip to Teke River, there is another ecology trip to Dalyan, which is an environmentally protected area, hosting rarely found blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in Muğla, Turkey. During the trip, students carry out activities including line transect of Dalyan River and Köyceğiz Lake, water flow measurements and calculations, water quality tests (phosphate, nitrate, salinity, pH, temperature, turbidity), crab mark and recapture.
Pupils throughout the school have opportunities to take part in different trips and activities. Apart from those trips, we celebrate important science days such as “DNA Day and AIDS Awareness Day” under the name of science activities in cooperation with students and other science departments. The aim of these activities is to show the importance of the science considering real life examples and also we have fun.
We teach IGCSE Biology (0610) for 9th and 10th graders and IB Biology, Standard and Higher Level for 11th and 12th graders and also National Curriculum is followed for the preparations of YGS and LYS. During this course, students are exposed to the following topics and the related criteria in the frame of our aims.
Courses
IGCSE Biology (0610)
“…Cambridge IGCSE Biology places considerable emphasis on understanding and use of scientific ideas and principles in a variety of situations, including those which are well-known to the learner and those which are new to them. It is anticipated that programs of study based on this syllabus will feature a variety of learning experiences designed to enhance the development of skill and comprehension. This approach will focus teachers and learners on development of transferable life-long skills relevant to the increasingly technological environment in which people find themselves. It will also prepare candidates for an assessment that will, within familiar and unfamiliar contexts, test expertise, understanding and insight.” (Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus, Cambridge International Certificate, Biology, 0610)
Prep Year Biology Lesson
Besides having basic Biology lessons in English, it is aimed to learn laboratory safety issues, laboratory equipment and doing basic laboratory experiment. Students are evaluated 2 written exams and 2 performance homework in prep years.
9th grade Biology Lesson (IGCSE Biology-0610)
It is aimed to commit those topics; “Characteristics of living organism, Cell, Movement in and out of the cells, Enzymes, Digestive system, Circulatory system, Respiratory system, Homeostasis and Excretory system”. Grade 9 Biology course evaluation components include 3 written exams and 3 performance grades.
10th grade Biology Lesson (IGCSE Biology-0610) (3 hours)
It is aimed to commit those topics; “Coordination and Response, Reproduction in plants and Reproduction in humans, Inheritance and Genetics, Cell division, Growth and Development, Evolution and Ecology”. Grade 10 Biology course evaluation components include 3 written exams and 3 performance grades.
IBDP Biology (HL/SL)
IBDP Biology courses aim to provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity within a global context which will stimulate and challenge students, provide a body of knowledge, methods and techniques which characterize science and technology, develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information, develop experimental and investigative scientific skills, encourage an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and the overarching nature of the scientific method. (International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Biology Syllabus)
Grade 11 Biology Course (IBDP Biology HL/SL) (5 periods)
The core topics of this course are Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity whereas the higher level students are expected to learn additional higher level details about these topics. In addition to this, our plan is to provide the students with, 30 hours in HL and 20 hours in SL Biology course, practical work to be assessed as internal assessment. Grade 11 Biology course evaluation components include 3 written exams and 2 performance grades.
Grade 12 Biology Course (IBDP Biology HL/SL) (5 periods)
The core topic is Human Physiology whereas the higher level students are expected to learn additional higher level details about this topic. In addition to this core topic all students registered for this course are expected to learn one optional topic regarding the level they are taking this course. Our plan is to provide the students with, 30 hours in HL and 20 hours in SL Biology course, practical work to be assessed as internal assessment. Grade 11 Biology course evaluation components include 3 written exams and 2 performance grades.