How to study for IB Biology?

IB Biology is one of the most content-heavy subjects in the IB curriculum, which can make it quite challenging. In this post, we’ll however share some valuable tips to make studying easier and more effective for you. 

How to study for IB Biology?

Engage in analytical studying

Don't just memorize everything mindlessly – focus on understanding how each concept or biological process actually works. Try to visualise it, follow the progression through different stages, and look for patterns, cause-and-effect relationships. This way, you'll retain the information much more easily, rather than just trying to memorise it without real understanding. 

Use flashcards for revision 

Flashcards are an excellent tool for revising IB Biology, as they allow you to quickly review key terms and concepts. The process of creating flashcards itself helps reinforce your learning, as it requires you to break down complex topics into simpler, more concise points. When reviewing them, try answering the question on the flashcard before flipping it over to check the answer. For the best results, each flashcard should focus on a single concept. You can create physical flashcards using just paper or use an online tool such as Anki which allows you to create virtual flashcards. 

Use spaced repetition 

Since IB Biology is an extremely content-heavy subject,  it is crucial you employ study techniques that allow you to study more effectively and actually retain the information. Spaced repetition is one of the most effective methods for long-term retention. This technique involves reviewing material at gradually increasing intervals, which strengthens your memory and ensures that the information sticks in the long run. Initially, you'll review topics more frequently, but as you become more familiar with the content, the time between each review increases. 

Prioritise understanding 

In IB Biology, many exam questions do not simply require you to recall facts but instead ask you to approach concepts from different angles or apply them in new contexts. By focusing on understanding rather than pure memorisation, you will be better equipped to analyze and solve these types of questions. Developing a deep understanding of biological concepts allows you to make connections between topics and adapt your knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios.

Master the IB Biology command terms

IB Biology questions use specific command terms such as ''describe'', ''explain'', and ''evaluate''. Understanding what these terms mean and how to structure your responses accordingly is crucial for maximizing marks. Make sure to check out our IB Biology Command Terms post. 

Make use of diagrams

Many biological concepts are best understood visually. Draw your own diagrams to represent processes such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and mitosis. Label them thoroughly and practice redrawing them from memory. Visual learning helps reinforce information and makes it easier to recall during exams.

Check out our free Biology IA exemplars

View all exemplars on Clastify

Grade received: 6

How do altering salicylic acid concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) affect the germination of Capsicum annuum longum seeds measuring the radicle length (mm) of the sprouts over 7 days?

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of Nickel (II) Chloride concentration on the germination rate (%) of Triticum aestivum seeds?

Grade received: 7

What is the optimal concentration of baking soda (NaHCO3) for the rate of photosynthesis in submerged spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 6

Investigating the effect of coffee on the rate of protein digestion

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of increasing iron (III) chloride concentration (0 mg/L, 2mg/L, 4mg/L, 6mg/L, 8mg/L, 10mg/L) on the growth of duckweed (Lemna minor) in terms of change in number of leaves over 5 days?

Grade received: 7

How does the concentration of 50ml of ethanol solution (15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%) influence the cell membrane permeability of beetroot, measured by the absorption transmission of light (Au) using a colorimeter, for 10 minutes?

Grade received: 7

How do different teas (chamomile, dandelion, nettle, black, and green tea) based on their potassium content used to water Vigna radiata seeds affect the success rate of germination over 96 hours, determined by successful germinations?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of different KCl percentage concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) on the germination rate of Triticum Aestivum.

Grade received: 7

Investigation Regarding the Correlation Between HDI and Mortality Rates due to Stroke

Grade received: 6

Comparison of protein content in animal-based milk and plant-based milk (cow milk, goat milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk) by weighing mass of coagulated precipitate formed after adding a coagulant (vinegar)

Grade received: 6

How do altering salicylic acid concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) affect the germination of Capsicum annuum longum seeds measuring the radicle length (mm) of the sprouts over 7 days?

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of Nickel (II) Chloride concentration on the germination rate (%) of Triticum aestivum seeds?

Grade received: 7

What is the optimal concentration of baking soda (NaHCO3) for the rate of photosynthesis in submerged spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 6

Investigating the effect of coffee on the rate of protein digestion

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of increasing iron (III) chloride concentration (0 mg/L, 2mg/L, 4mg/L, 6mg/L, 8mg/L, 10mg/L) on the growth of duckweed (Lemna minor) in terms of change in number of leaves over 5 days?

Grade received: 7

How does the concentration of 50ml of ethanol solution (15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%) influence the cell membrane permeability of beetroot, measured by the absorption transmission of light (Au) using a colorimeter, for 10 minutes?

Grade received: 7

How do different teas (chamomile, dandelion, nettle, black, and green tea) based on their potassium content used to water Vigna radiata seeds affect the success rate of germination over 96 hours, determined by successful germinations?

View hundreds of other Biology IA exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of different KCl percentage concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) on the germination rate of Triticum Aestivum.

Grade received: 7

Investigation Regarding the Correlation Between HDI and Mortality Rates due to Stroke

Grade received: 6

Comparison of protein content in animal-based milk and plant-based milk (cow milk, goat milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk) by weighing mass of coagulated precipitate formed after adding a coagulant (vinegar)

Grade received: 6

How do altering salicylic acid concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) affect the germination of Capsicum annuum longum seeds measuring the radicle length (mm) of the sprouts over 7 days?

Grade received: 7

What is the effect of Nickel (II) Chloride concentration on the germination rate (%) of Triticum aestivum seeds?

Grade received: 7

What is the optimal concentration of baking soda (NaHCO3) for the rate of photosynthesis in submerged spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves?

Practice past papers

Solving past IB Biology papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for exams. It helps you become familiar with the question format and the level of detail expected in responses. Practicing under timed conditions will also improve your time management skills. After completing past papers, compare your answers with the mark scheme to identify areas for improvement.

Review you class notes regularly 

While practicing past papers is crucial, don’t neglect your class notes and textbooks. Regularly review these materials ensures that you have a strong grasp of the key concepts. You may also find our collection of IB Biology notes particularly useful. 

Create concise revision notes

Summarizing topics into concise revision notes or bullet points can help you retain information more effectively. Organizing information in a clear, structured way makes it easier to review closer to exams.

We hope you found this post helpful! For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.