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B I O L O G Y

INTRODUCTION

An Extended Essay in Biology provides a candidate with an opportunity to apply a range of skills whilst researching a topic of personal interest in the field of biology. The biological nature of an Extended Essay is characterised by a particular biological emphasis within a more general set of scientific criteria. An Extended Essay in Biology may be survey-based, theoretical model-based or experimental data-based. Whichever category is chosen the candidate should ensure that sufficient data will be available for evaluation and that the topic can be researched accurately using locally available resources. Any experimental work should be adequately described to allow the work to be repeated by others. Biological data is of little value unless it is analysed, using appropriate scientific techniques, and then evaluated. The element of personal evaluation is important when interpreting the results of data analysis. The candidate should show an understanding of the results and be able to interpret them with reference to the research question. Some explanation may be necessary to account for anomalies, bu this should form a subsidiary part of the discussion. Where a hypothesis has been tested, the outcome may indicate that it may be necessary to consider modifying it. Alternatively, some assessment of the outcome(s) could be made in a future, or wider context. Aside from incorporating biological theory, it is expected that techniques/procedures which are characterised of biological enquiry will be included as appropriate to the topic being investigated.(e.g. microscopy, biological drawing, sampling techniques, identification of species using correct terminology)

CHOICE OF TOPIC

An Extended Essay in an interdisciplinary area such a biochemistry will, if registered as a Biology Extended Essay, be judged on its biological content, not its chemical content. The topic chosen must allow an approach which distinctly relates to biology. Where a topic can be approached from different viewpoints the treatment of the material must be approached from the viewpoint of biology. Some topics may be unsuitable for investigation because of ethical issues. Experiments likely to inflict pain on living organisms or those which may involve access to, or publication of, confidential medical information should be avoided. Some topics may be unsuitable for investigation because of safety issues.

EXAMPLES

The following examples for Biology Extended Essays are intended as guidance only.

The ozone hole, UV radiation and its possible effect on the growth of Lepidium sativum is better than Consequences of the ozone hole.

A study of malnourished children in Thailand and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition is better than Malnutrition in children.

The effect of banana peel on seed germination is better than Factors which effect the germination of seeds.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

J To what exyent is the essay concerned with the biological study of living organisms?

Achievement Level

0 The essay makes no reference to any aspect of the study of living organisms.

1 The essay makes limited reference to some aspects of the study of living organisms.

2 The essay is concerned with some aspects of the study of living organisms and shows a limited awareness of interactions which are apparent within the specific issue being investigated.

3 The essay is concerned with specific aspects of the study of living organisms and shows a strong awareness of interactions which are appropriate within the specific issue being investigated.

4 The essay shows a specific and primary concern with clearly defined aspects of the study of living organisms and shows a full appreciation of the interactions which exist within the specific issue being investigated.

K

Achievement Level To what extent are scientific techniques appropriate to biology (experimental design/theoretical development/sources) accessed?

0 No relevant scientific techniques are apparent.

1 Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question but show minimal competence.

2 Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question, are carefully chosen and accurately completed, but are applied in a completely routine manner.

3 Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question, are carefully chosen and accurately completed, and there is some evidence of an original or personal approach to their application.

4 Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question, are carefully chosen and accurately completed, and consistently show evidence of an original or personal approach to their application.

L To what extent are the biological limitations surrounding the research analysed?

Achievement Level

0 There is no awareness of uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed. There are no explanations, confirmations and refutations.

1 Uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed are briefly mentioned. There is no supporting evidence for explanations, confirmations and refutations.

2 There is a clear awareness of uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed. Explanations, confirmations and refutations are inadequately supported.

3 There is a clear awareness but limited analysis of uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed. Explanations, confirmations and refutations are not wholly supported.

4 Uncertainties in experimental data are analysed and approximations in models are accounted for. Inadequate experimental design or any systematic error is exposed. The quality of sources accessed is verified by secondary sources or by direct calculations. Explanations, confirmations and refutations are supported by these analyses.
IB homepage Extended Essay homepage Subject grading criteria General guidelines General grading criteria

J	To what exyent is the essay concerned with the biological study of living organisms?
Achievement Level
0	The essay makes no reference to any aspect of the study of living organisms.
1	The essay makes limited reference to some aspects of the study of living organisms.
2	The essay is concerned with some aspects of the study of living organisms and shows a limited awareness of interactions which are apparent within the specific issue being investigated.
3	The essay is concerned with specific aspects of the study of living organisms and shows a strong awareness of interactions which are appropriate within the specific issue being investigated.
4	The essay shows a specific and primary concern with clearly defined aspects of the study of living organisms and shows a full appreciation of the interactions which exist within the specific issue being investigated.

K
Achievement Level	To what extent are scientific techniques appropriate to biology (experimental design/theoretical development/sources) accessed?
0	No relevant scientific techniques are apparent.
1	Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question but show minimal competence.
2	Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question, are carefully chosen and accurately completed, but are applied in a completely routine manner.
3	Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question, are carefully chosen and accurately completed, and there is some evidence of an original or personal approach to their application.
4	Scientific techniques are relevant to the research question, are carefully chosen and accurately completed, and consistently show evidence of an original or personal approach to their application.

L	To what extent are the biological limitations surrounding the research analysed?
Achievement Level
0	There is no awareness of uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed. There are no explanations, confirmations and refutations.
1	Uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed are briefly mentioned. There is no supporting evidence for explanations, confirmations and refutations.
2	There is a clear awareness of uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed. Explanations, confirmations and refutations are inadequately supported.
3	There is a clear awareness but limited analysis of uncertainties, approximations, quality of experimental design or quality of sources accessed. Explanations, confirmations and refutations are not wholly supported.
4	Uncertainties in experimental data are analysed and approximations in models are accounted for. Inadequate experimental design or any systematic error is exposed. The quality of sources accessed is verified by secondary sources or by direct calculations. Explanations, confirmations and refutations are supported by these analyses.