The New IBDP Biology 2025 Syllabus: What You Need to Know

Hey there, first-year IB Biology students! Buckle up, because your journey through the International Baccalaureate just got a lot more interesting. As the inaugural cohort under the fresh syllabus, you’re in for a ride filled with challenges and growth. Specifically, in Biology, the tides of change have swept in some significant alterations. In this blog post, we’re your guides through the maze of newness, sharing insights that’ll help you make the most of this evolving journey, especially when it comes to those inevitable quests for past paper questions.

Unravelling the New Syllabus:

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Major Restructure: The very foundation of the syllabus has undergone a revamp. Topics are now grouped by themes and levels of organisation, bringing in a fresh sense of coherence. While some topics directly link to their counterparts in the old syllabus – like A1.1 Water – others, such as B.3.2, incorporate understandings from three different old topics. It’s a dynamic reshuffling, setting a new rhythm for your studies.

Moreover, as you delve into the syllabus, the guiding questions for each topic play a pivotal role. They’re designed to serve as a comprehensive framework, facilitating your exploration of the syllabus through the lens of themes and organisational levels.

On top of guiding questions, you will also find linking questions for every subtopic in the biology syllabus guide. Linking questions forge connections between different subtopics, thereby further enriching your understanding and empowering you to seamlessly apply concepts from one domain to another. The ultimate goal of these interconnected questions is to craft a complex tapestry of knowledge.

Exam Evolution: Brace yourself for a transformation in the Paper 1 exam. Once a brisk 45-minute affair, it’s now a meatier 1.5-hour journey. Within it, Section 1B has sprung to life, introducing data-based questions requiring concise answers. Notably, calculators can now be wielded in this realm. The seismic shift accounts for around 35% of the entire syllabus, drenched in novelty. Approximately 200 new understandings grace these pages, ushering in a wave of change.

Keywords and Precision: The syllabus is now adorned with more keywords than ever before. Be on the lookout for specific terms like estradiol instead of the broader estrogen. This isn’t just wordplay; it’s an essential aspect of your journey. The IB’s grading rigor calls for pinpoint accuracy, so embracing these new keywords is pivotal.

Embracing Case Studies: In this new era, case studies are your companions. These real-world scenarios invite you to apply your newfound knowledge in practical contexts. The expectation is clear: connect the dots between theory and reality. Named examples pepper the syllabus too, making it a vivid experience that stretches beyond the classroom walls.

The Elegance of Organization: Beyond the content, the entire syllabus structure has evolved. It’s more meticulous, more organized, ushering you into a realm of focused exploration.

Steadfast Internal Assessment: Amidst all the change, the Internal Assessment remains a steady constant, offering a familiar anchor.

Mapping Magic for Premium Subscribers: For those seeking a clear path through the maze, premium subscribers are in for a treat. The full mapping of the old syllabus to the new is a treasure trove that’ll save you precious time.

How to use old IB past papers questions to study

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Whilst significant changes have occurred, the majority of the old syllabus is still relevant. Meaning that previous past papers questions are still useful study tools. It’s important, however, to keep several things in mind. 

Keywords Matter: As you plunge into the world of old IB Biology past papers, remember that keywords matter. The IB’s stringent adherence to definitions demands precision, even if the terminology isn’t identical to what you’ve seen before.

Don’t disregard Paper 3: Whilst Paper 3 has been removed, its content can still be helpful. While 35% of the syllabus is uncharted, parts of it are familiar territory. Some new understanding  come from the old option topics, thus parts of Paper 3 still resonate with the new material, offering valuable practice.

Embrace Case Studies: The new syllabus shines the spotlight on case studies and named examples. Featured much more in this syllabus, it’s imperative for you to be familiar with the concepts and applications of each case study and example listed in the syllabus. You may not see many relevant questions in previous past papers, but don’t let that fool you! 

Paper 1 Evolution: Keep the new exam format in your sights. Paper 1 has evolved into a more intricate entity, now doubling in duration and incorporating a fresh section. Meanwhile, Paper 2 retains its structure, and Paper 3 bids adieu.

We recognise that juggling all of this while recalling what you’ve learned and applying it to the questions can feel quite overwhelming. With Ascientia by your side, the transition to the new syllabus is seamless. Our tutors have been trained in the new syllabus and are ready to adapt their tutoring to the changes, ensuring you receive the best support. Additionally, our sister company, Abaccus, has done the hardwork of mapping, modifing and adapting the new syllabus into their IB question bank and study tools for you. The best bit? If you tutor with Ascientia, you’ll get free premium access to Abaccus.

Have a Question or Thought?

We’re all ears! Whether you need clarification, want to share your thoughts, or simply crave a chat, drop us an email at contact@ascientia.org

Wishing you unstoppable success on your path of exploration!