IB Biology Extended Essay Topic Ideas

As an IB tutor with a deep-rooted passion for the complexities of living organisms, I am eager to present a series of stimulating topics for your Biology Extended essay. This selection is meticulously crafted to span the vast and intricate world of biological sciences, offering students an opportunity to investigate topics that range from the molecular mechanisms of life to the broad patterns of ecosystems.

Throughout my experience in guiding young minds, I’ve observed how a carefully chosen essay topic is more than an academic obligation; it’s a portal for students to engage profoundly with the marvels and mysteries of biology. This process invites students to construct a detailed and analytical narrative, showcasing their ability to dissect intricate biological concepts and present their discoveries with precision and insight.

List of IB Biology EE Topics

1. Cell Biology

1. The Effect of Different Sugars on Yeast Fermentation Rates: How do different types of sugar (glucose, fructose, sucrose) affect the rate of fermentation in yeast?
2. Impact of Salinity on Cell Membrane Permeability: How does varying salt concentration affect the permeability of beetroot cell membranes?
3. Mitosis in Onion Root Tip Cells: How does temperature affect the rate of mitosis in onion root tip cells?
4. The Role of pH in Enzyme Activity: How does pH affect the activity of amylase on starch digestion?
5. Effect of Caffeine on Daphnia Heart Rate: How does caffeine concentration influence the heart rate of Daphnia?
6. Cellular Respiration in Peas: How do different temperatures affect the rate of cellular respiration in peas?
7. Photosynthesis Rate in Different Light Conditions: How do various light wavelengths affect the rate of photosynthesis in Elodea plants?
8. The Effect of Antibiotics on Bacterial Growth: How do different antibiotics affect the growth of E. coli?
9. Osmosis in Potato Cells: How does varying sucrose concentration affect osmosis in potato cells?
10. The Impact of Alcohol on Membrane Fluidity: How does ethanol concentration affect the fluidity of phospholipid bilayers?

2. Human Physiology

11. The Effect of Exercise on Blood Pressure: How does moderate exercise affect the blood pressure of adolescents?
12. Lung Capacity and Physical Activity: Is there a correlation between lung capacity and the level of regular physical activity in teenagers?
13. The Impact of Sleep on Cognitive Function: How does sleep deprivation affect memory and concentration in students?
14. Digestive Enzyme Activity: How does temperature affect the effectiveness of pepsin in protein digestion?
15. The Effect of Music on Heart Rate: How does listening to different genres of music affect the heart rate of individuals?
16. Reaction Times and Age: How do reaction times change with age in a healthy population?
17. The Effect of Smoking on Lung Capacity: How does smoking history affect lung capacity in adults?
18. Hand Dominance and Sensory Perception: Does hand dominance affect sensory perception in the fingers?
19. The Impact of Hydration on Athletic Performance: How does varying levels of hydration affect endurance and strength in athletes?
20. The Effect of Different Diets on Gut Microbiota: How do vegetarian and meat-based diets affect the gut microbiota composition?

3. Ecology and Environmental Science

21. The Effect of Acid Rain on Plant Growth: How does acid rain affect the growth of a particular type of plant?
22. Biodiversity in Different Soil Types: How does soil type affect biodiversity in a local ecosystem?
23. The Impact of Light Pollution on Moth Populations: How does light pollution in urban areas affect moth behavior and populations?
24. The Effect of Water pH on Aquatic Plant Growth: How does the pH level of water affect the growth of aquatic plants?
25. Pollinator Activity in Urban vs. Rural Areas: How does the level of urbanization affect pollinator activity in flowering plants?
26. The Role of Earthworms in Soil Fertility: How do earthworms contribute to soil fertility in agricultural land?
27. The Effect of Temperature on Decomposition Rates: How does ambient temperature affect decomposition rates in a forest ecosystem?
28. The Impact of Invasive Species on Local Biodiversity: How does the introduction of an invasive plant species affect the biodiversity of a local area?
29. Coral Bleaching and Water Temperature: How does increasing water temperature affect coral bleaching events?
30. The Relationship Between Plant Root Growth and Soil Moisture Levels: How does soil moisture availability affect root growth in different plant species?

4. Genetics and Evolution

31. The Genetics of Fruit Fly Behavior: How do different genetic mutations affect the behavior of Drosophila melanogaster?
32. The Effect of Environment on Phenotypic Plasticity in Plants: How does sunlight exposure affect the leaf morphology of a plant species?
33. Population Genetics and Migration Patterns: How do migration patterns affect genetic diversity in a local bird population?
34. The Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance: How does the use of antibiotics in agriculture contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria?
35. Genetic Diversity in Endangered Species: What is the level of genetic diversity in a specific endangered species, and why is it important for their survival?
36. The Role of Gene Expression in Cancer: How do specific gene mutations contribute to the development of a certain type of cancer?
37. The Impact of Genetic Drift in Small Populations: How does genetic drift affect the genetic variability in a small isolated population?
38. Epigenetic Effects of Environmental Stressors: How do environmental stressors (like pollution) affect epigenetic markers in a specific species?
39. The Genetics of Plant Disease Resistance: How do genetic variations contribute to disease resistance in crops?
40. Human Evolution and the Fossil Record: How do recent fossil discoveries contribute to our understanding of human evolution?

5. Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

41. The Use of CRISPR in Gene Editing: How can CRISPR technology be used to modify the genome of a model organism?
42. The Role of Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture: How can biotechnological techniques improve crop yield and sustainability?
43. Bioinformatics and Disease: How can bioinformatics be used to identify potential genetic markers for a specific disease?
44. The Impact of GMOs on Agricultural Ecosystems: How do genetically modified crops affect the biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems?
45. Bioremediation of Polluted Environments: How effective are certain microorganisms in the bioremediation of polluted soils?
46. The Use of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: How can stem cells be used to treat a specific degenerative disease?
47. Protein Engineering and Drug Development: How can protein engineering be used to develop more effective drugs for treating diseases?
48. The Role of Bioinformatics in Vaccine Development: How has bioinformatics contributed to the development of a recent vaccine?
49. The Ethical Implications of Human Cloning: What are the ethical considerations and potential impacts of human cloning?
50. The Use of Biotechnology in Food Production: How is biotechnology used to enhance nutritional content in food crops?

Select Your Topic Wisely

As we conclude this exploration of Biology Extended Essay topics, my hope is that these suggestions have ignited your scientific curiosity and eagerness for discovery. The process of crafting a Biology Extended Essay is a synthesis of meticulous research, critical scientific analysis, and a coherent presentation of complex ideas.

As you focus your topic and progress with your investigation, recognize this as your stage to make a meaningful contribution to the scientific community. Your essay is an opportunity to showcase your academic diligence, your analytical capabilities, and your ability to connect detailed scientific concepts with broader biological phenomena. Let your work be a testament to your scholarly dedication and a significant contribution to our collective understanding of the living world.