Key features of the Biology SL & HL Neurobiology & Behaviour study guide: 

• More than 60 questions exploring the IB Biology Option A common core, plus 50 additional questions on HL topics.  

• Multiple easy-to-reproduce diagrams for use in your exams.  

• Additional Information Boxes featuring helpful details for each chapter to enhance your understanding.  

• Need-to-Know Boxes highlighting essential information required for exam success in IB Biology neurobiology and behaviour.  

• Graphs, charts and images to illustrate concepts and processes covered in IB Biology Option A.  

• Comprehensive review of material related to IB Biology neurobiology and behaviour. 

Contents of the Biology SL & HL Neurobiology & Behaviour study guide: 

Neural Development 

• Neurulation – Formation of the Neural Tube 

• Neuron Development 

• Neuron Migration 

• Synapse Development and Elimination 

• Neural Pruning 

• Plasticity of the Nervous System 

• Self-test quiz 

The Human Brain 

• Organisation of the Nervous Systems 

• The Autonomic Nervous System ANS 

• Electroencephalography EEG 

• The Pupil Reflex and Brain Death 

• Investigating Brain Function 

• Correlation between brain size and body size 

• Brain function 

• Self-test quiz 

Perception of Stimuli 

• Receptors 

• The Human Eye 

• Rods and Cones 

• The Retina 

• Optic Nerves and the Visual Cortex 

• Colour Vision 

• Olfactory Receptors 

• The Human Ear 

• Sound 

• Movement of the Head 

• Cochlear Implant 

• Self-test quiz 

Additional Higher Level Material

Innate and Learned Behaviour 

• Reflexes 

• Reflex Conditioning 

• Operant Conditioning 

• Imprinting 

• Latent Learning – Development of Birdsong 

• Other examples of learning 

• Example of data analysis of invertebrate behaviour 

• Self-test quiz 

Neuropharmacology 

• Neurotransmitters and Synapses 

• Slow-acting neurotransmitters 

• Memory and learning 

• Psychoactive drugs – the brain and personality 

• Addiction 

• Anaesthetics 

• Endorphins 

• Self-test quiz 

Ethology 

• Migratory behaviour – Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) 

• Altruistic behaviour – Vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus)  

• Foraging behaviour – Shore crab (Carcinus maenas)  

• Breeding strategies – Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus ksutch) 

• Courtship behaviour – Birds of Paradise 

• Sychronised oestrous – Lion (Panthera leo)  

• Development and loss of learned behaviour – Blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) 

• Additional Examples 

• Flora scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) 

• Bluegill fish (Lepomis macrochirus) feeding on Daphnia 

• Oystercathers (Haematopus ostralegus) feeding on limpets (Patella sp.) 

• Self-test quiz