Best IB Biology tutors in Switzerland & online

From cell biology to ecosystems, data questions to the investigation: experienced Diploma Biology teachers and IB specialists teach SL and HL one to one online for students in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel and across Switzerland. Many are thinking about medicine, where Swiss universities select by aptitude test or first-year exams rather than by Biology grade. Lessons run on Central European Time, from £58 (~65 CHF) an hour.

Expert IB tutors & teachers
700+
Starting price per hour
£58
Avg. Biology grade lift with Lanterna
+1.5
Would recommend us
96%

IB Biology tutors for students in Switzerland

Biology is a broad course with a lot to remember and a lot to write. The tutors below teach the version examined since May 2025, and the match is made on your level and on the themes, genetics or physiology, ecology or evolution, where your marks are thinnest.

Penelope

Penelope

IB specialist

IB Biology TutorHead of Science

I am an experienced IB teacher and examiner, currently serving as Head of Science in Rome, Italy. Over the years, I have successfully guided hundreds of students to excel in IB Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. As a teacher trainer and co-author of IB resources, I bring deep insight into both the curriculum and the assessment process. My teaching philosophy is rooted in understanding each student’s individual needs and abilities. Rather than relying on textbooks, I break down complex concepts through clear notes, diagrams, examples, and past paper practice — giving students exactly what they need to achieve outstanding results in record time. Outside of tutoring, I love hiking, traveling, writing fiction and painting.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
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Yujin

Yujin

IB graduate

IB Biology Tutor44/45 IB graduate5 years' tutoring

My name is Yujin, and I'm an environmental science student who graduated with an IB score of 44, receiving a 7 in all of my subjects. I did the MYP and DP in China, Australia, and Korea. I've worked short- and long-term with more than 30 students from all over the world over the last 5 years. I focus on personalizing content breakdown to each student's learning style, and advising students on the best study strategy. I place particular emphasis on using past papers and tailoring exam prep to common IB tips. For assessment prep like IA and the EE, I provide research and writing support specific to the student's planning and writing style. In my free time, I love hiking, reading, and traveling. I've recently explored more of the American Rockies, and hope to make it to central Asia in the near future.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Internal Assessment
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Javier

Javier

IB teacher

IB Biology TutorHead of Science10 years' IB tutoringBrown University

My name is Javier. I completed the IB from 2009 to 2011 at UWC Mahindra College and scored 40 out of 42 points. After that, I pursued my undergraduate studies at Brown University, followed by a Master of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh. I currently work as a full-time IB Chemistry and IB Biology teacher at an international school in Mexico City, where I also serve as the Head of the Science Department. During the past ten years working with Lanterna, I have supported more than 70 students, totaling over 1,000 hours of tutoring experience. I structure my tutoring sessions in three parts. First, I work with students to identify which concepts within a topic they understand well and which require further support. Then, we review and clarify any areas of difficulty together. Once the student no longer has conceptual questions, we reinforce their understanding by practicing with past-paper questions. In addition to teaching, I am the Faculty Organizer of the TEDx Conference at our school. Outside of work, I enjoy playing the guitar and dancing.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
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Mansi

Mansi

IB specialist

IB Biology TutorIB textbook author10+ years' IB teaching

I’m an experienced MYP Coordinator and DP Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Teacher, with over a decade in IB education. As an IB Examiner for Paper 2 and the Internal Assessment, I bring deep insight into what examiners look for and how students can excel. I’ve co-authored the DP ESS textbook for Kognity and create revision content for IB Revision Village, helping students worldwide strengthen their understanding of ESS. My teaching style is concept-driven, inquiry-based, and highly interactive. I focus on building clarity, confidence, and critical thinking, helping each learner connect environmental concepts to real-world systems while achieving their personal best in assessments. I love reading, playing tennis and watching ecology documentaries.

  • ESS
  • Biology
  • Internal Assessment
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Shail

Shail

IB graduate

IB Biology Tutor44/45 IB graduateUCLPhD in Neuroscience

I'm Shail, and I'm a postdoctoral researcher at King's College London! I completed my IB in 2017, where I received a 44/45 (777 in Biology, Chemistry, and Math HL), and went on to study Biomedical Sciences at UCL. I then completed my PhD in neuroscience, so you can really tell I love the field! I love teaching and have been tutoring since 2017, with over 500 hours under my belt. Having been through the whirlwind storm that is IB, I like to relate to my students and offer guidance not just with their subjects, but also with their overall experience, college applications, and mental well-being. I use a combination of resources to tutor, including audiovisual methods, past papers, and flashcards, and work with the student to set the pace and realistic targets. When not completely submerged in academia, I like to produce and make music :)

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English Literature
  • Maths AI
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Abdelghany

Abdelghany

IB specialist

IB Biology Tutor18 years' tutoring

I am an experienced IB Biology and Chemistry teacher and examiner, dedicated to helping students excel in the IB Diploma Program. I hold a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the American University of Beirut (AUB), where I developed a strong foundation in scientific research and critical inquiry. As an IB-certified educator, I have completed official IB workshops for Biology and Chemistry, which have enhanced my understanding of the IB curriculum, assessment criteria, and effective inquiry-based teaching strategies. My dual experience as both teacher and examiner allow me to guide students and help them understand exactly what examiners look for in Internal Assessments (IA), Extended Essays (EE), and final exams. My tutoring style is student-centered, structured, and engaging. I emphasize conceptual clarity, practical application, and exam readiness through visual explanations, real-life examples, and guided past paper practice. Outside the classroom, I am passionate about swimming and basketball, which reflect my belief in balance, perseverance, and continuous growth—values I also bring to my teaching approach.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Internal Assessment
  • Extended Essay
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Medicine in Switzerland

Medicine with the IB in Switzerland: EMS, concours and residence

No Swiss medical school requires IB Biology. The Diploma only has to meet the university's general admission rule, set out in our overview of the IB in Switzerland; places are then decided in one of two ways.

Basel, Bern, Fribourg, Zurich, USI and ETH Zurich limit places through the EMS aptitude test: for autumn 2027 you pre-register with swissuniversities by 15 February 2027, register for the test by 25 May 2027 and sit it on 9 July 2027. Geneva, Lausanne and Neuchâtel take every qualified applicant into the first year and select through a concours at its end.

Residence comes before any of this. swissuniversities states that without a Swiss passport or a Swiss residence permit you cannot be admitted to medicine, and that no medical programme is taught in English. Foreign nationals who have lived in Switzerland for several years, for example on a C permit, may be treated like Swiss applicants if they meet the conditions by the February pre-registration.

Two timetables at once

EMS registration closes just after the May 2027 IB exams, and the test falls days after results in early July. Medicine in the UK checks subjects instead, usually Chemistry at HL. And if Biology is your only science, keep it: Swiss universities do not recognise ESS as one.

Results

Biology SL in May 2025: grades bunched in the middle

A 4 was the most common SL grade (26.1%), only 5.9% of candidates reached a 7, and almost a third (31.1%) finished on a 3 or below. Biology HL, the larger entry with 33,102 candidates, had a mean of 4.5. In both, precise written answers separate the 5s from the 6s and 7s.

Biology SL grade distribution, May 2025
Biology SL grade distribution, May 2025. Global average grade 4.3.
IB gradeShare of candidates
10.8%
28.7%
321.6%
426.1%
520.6%
613.9%
75.9%
SL only, 21,939 candidates worldwide; 2.4% were not awarded a grade. Source: IB final statistical bulletin, May 2025 session.
Average grade lift after Lanterna tutoring
+1.5points

From a 3.8 average before tutoring to a 5.3 after tutoring with Lanterna.

SL or HL

Biology at SL and HL compared

HL spends the most extra time on Continuity and change, where genetics and gene expression sit, and asks for twice as many extended responses. Both levels share the same investigation.

Standard Level

Biology SL

Hours
150 in total, including 40 of practical work
Paper 1
Multiple choice plus data-based questions, 1 h 30
Paper 2
1 h 30; one extended response chosen from two
May 2025
Mean 4.3 across 21,939 candidates
In Switzerland
Fills the science category everywhere
Higher Level

Biology HL

Hours
240 in total, including 60 of practical work
Paper 1
Multiple choice plus data-based questions, 2 h
Paper 2
2 h 30; two extended responses chosen from three
May 2025
Mean 4.5 across 33,102 candidates
In Switzerland
Can be ETH’s HL science or EPFL’s third HL

Torn between two sciences for your HLs? Talk it through with us before your school fixes the levels.

The course

Biology's four themes and their teaching hours

The IB Biology course was first examined in May 2025. Paper 1 is worth 36% of the grade, Paper 2 44% and the scientific investigation 20%, so four-fifths of the grade comes from the two May papers.

Biology SL candidates worldwide, May 2025
21,939
Mean grade at HL in the same session
4.5
Average Biology grade of Lanterna students
5.3
  1. Continuity and change

    Copying and expressing DNA, mitosis and meiosis, inheritance, homeostasis, natural selection and ecosystem change; HL adds the regulation of gene expression.

    34h SL · 60h HL
  2. Interaction and interdependence

    Enzymes and metabolism, respiration and photosynthesis, neural and hormonal signalling, defence against disease and energy flow; HL looks closer at chemical signalling.

    31h SL · 48h HL
  3. Form and function

    Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, membranes and organelles, gas exchange and transport in plants and animals; HL adds muscle and movement.

    26h SL · 39h HL
  4. Unity and diversity

    Water and nucleic acids, cell structure, how species are named and classified, speciation and conservation; at HL, the origin of cells and viruses.

    19h SL · 33h HL
Reviews

Biology families on their Lanterna tutoring

“Even my daughter’s school was unable to provide options or direct us to a resit center, but Lanterna came through. The results spoke for themselves: my daughter’s Biology grade improved by two points, and her English grade went up by one point—a total improvement of three IB points, which made a real difference to her final score.”
“Great support for resitting IB exams and…” Biology
Grade 1 to 4
“Her level of instruction was far superior to my son's Biology teacher. She taught in a way he could understand and was clear and concise. My son raved about her constantly.”
Jennifer O., parent Herlufsholm Skole · Class of 2025 · Biology
Grade 3 to 5
“What helped me the most was how he taught exam techniques, data analysis skills, and how to approach different question styles with confidence. Through regular practice, targeted feedback, and his constant encouragement, I gradually became more confident in solving past paper questions and managing timed assessments.”
Bianca C., student St. John’s International School · Class of 2026 · Chemistry

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These reviews are from IB students and parents we have taught; there are plenty more in our reviews collection.

Free resources

Reading for IB Biology students

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FAQs

IB Biology tutoring in Switzerland: what parents ask

Our child wants to study medicine in Switzerland. What can an IB Biology tutor do?

Help the Diploma clear the university's admission rule with room to spare, and keep the spring of DP2 free for what comes next. Swiss medical schools don't rank applicants by IB grades, but the Diploma must still meet the general threshold, and Biology is frequently where a few extra points can be won. With the coursework under control by Easter, the weeks after the May exams are free for the next step: the EMS in the German-speaking universities, or preparing for a demanding first year in Geneva or Lausanne.

Do your Biology tutors prepare students for the EMS?

No. Our tutors teach IB Biology, not the EMS aptitude test, and we would rather say so plainly. What we can do is make sure the IB side, the coursework and the May exams, is not competing for time when EMS registration and the test come round in May and July.

Is there an online IB Biology tutor for students in Zurich or Basel?

Yes. Lanterna's Biology tutors teach online, so students in Zurich, Basel and every other canton choose from the same people: IB graduates who earned a 7, DP Biology teachers and specialists. Start with a free consultation and we propose a tutor for your level.

Can a tutor help with the long answers on Biology Paper 2?

Yes, and it is where many students lose the most marks. An extended response carries 16 marks, and the mark scheme rewards separate, precisely worded points. A tutor sets past questions, marks them the way the IB does and shows which points were missing, until planning a full answer in a few minutes becomes routine.

What does IB Biology tutoring cost per hour in Switzerland?

From £58 (~65 CHF). We bill in pounds, so the franc amount is an approximation, and the rate depends on the tutor type and the size of the package. Lessons are timed around school on Central European Time; the free consultation sets out the choices.

Can a tutor guide my child’s Biology investigation without doing it for them?

Yes. A tutor can help your child weigh a wet-lab experiment against a database investigation, narrow the research question and see how each criterion is applied, while the work stays entirely theirs. The IB's rules on outside help are summarised on our internal assessment page.

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  • Clear up confusion about the IB, deadlines, subject choices, study strategy, IAs, exams and anything else.
Length
30 minutes
Where
Google Meet
Cost
Free
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