The Biology Olympiad is a competition for highschool students (Mittelschulen in Switzerland/ FL) who want to know more about biology than the average school lesson can teach. Each year there is a possibility to go a long way using talent, brains and passion. During three competition rounds we search for the best junior biologists. In national preparation and final weeks fascinating experiences as well as new friendships are made. Moreover, the four best competitors will travel to the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).
We start off with a multiple-choice test taken within the schools at the beginning of each school year. We will be looking for existing knowledge, logical thinking as well as a flair for biology. Each year, more than 1000 students take part.
The second round again consists of a, theoretical exam, however, this time, it requires more than just classroom knowledge. Questions do not primarily test pure knowledge, but rather the ability to use it to solve interesting scientific problems.
Here you can find old exams for practice.
As preparation for the second round, successful participants are invited to a camp in autumn. During this intense week university students provide a broad and deepened knowledge. This will be helpful during the proceeding rounds of the Olympiad, but also later on, during potential studies of natural science.
In addition, long lasting friendships between the clever and interested young people from all over Switzerland are often formed.
The Biology Olympiad’s final takes place in spring within the labs of the University of Bern. The 20 best contestants of the second round will now have to demonstrate their practical skills and their talent when handling biological problems. During four days, a final ranking is formed based on numerous practical tests with built-in theoretical questions. At the end of the week comes the Grand Finale: During a medal celebration the competitors are honoured and celebrated with friends, parents, teachers and organisers. Now it’s revealed who will represent Switzerland in the International Biology Olympiad.
