Atlantia International Biology Olympiad
Explore the subject through age-appropriate problems, evidence and independent reasoning, with a pathway from Round 1 to Antalya and Barcelona.
Bring your curiosity. Think through biology.
This is an individual academic challenge exploring living systems, from cells and inheritance to organisms and ecosystems. You work through questions written for your school level, combining what you know with careful reasoning when a situation is unfamiliar.
On examination day, you read each problem and choose the answer that best follows from the information given. You may need to interpret biological evidence, connect cause and effect or explain how living systems respond to change. This is a written or approved online examination, not a project exhibition or a practical laboratory competition.
Students progress through qualifying rounds toward Antalya and Barcelona. Preparation means practising how to understand a question, test an idea and explain your reasoning to yourself. The format, syllabus, permitted materials and progression requirements are set out below and in the official rulebook.
Biology Olympiad Subject Areas
Exam questions are prepared from the following six core areas of biology.
Cell Biology
Cell structure, organelles, cell membrane dynamics, cell division, cell signaling and cellular respiration.
Genetics
Mendelian genetics, DNA replication, gene expression, mutations, inheritance patterns and genetic engineering.
Ecology
Ecosystem dynamics, food webs, biodiversity, population ecology and conservation biology.
Human Physiology
Nervous system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system and immune system.
Microbiology
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, microbial genetics and infectious disease mechanisms.
Evolutionary Biology
Natural selection, adaptation, speciation, phylogenetics, evidence of evolution and population genetics.
Round 1 — Begin the journey
Individual participation for Grades 3–12, in Levels 03–07. Results are ranked within the same category, level and round.
90 minutes
Each paper has 20 multiple-choice questions with five choices (A–E). Section A: 8 × 3 points; Section B: 8 × 5; Section C: 4 × 9. Wrong, blank or multiple answers earn zero; there is no negative marking.
100 points
The top 40% qualify at each qualifying round, using the official boundary and tie rules. Rank is based on total points, then Section C, Section B and correct-answer count; remaining ties share rank.
Question Types & Evaluation
All 20 questions are multiple-choice. The following describe the thinking involved, not separate practical or written-answer examinations.
Theoretical Questions
Questions that measure conceptual understanding of biological processes and mechanisms.
Problem Solving
Questions requiring multi-step analysis and inference based on real-world scenarios.
Multiple Choice Questions
Five choices (A–E), with one intended correct answer. Mark one answer per question; scratch work is not graded.
Data Analysis Questions
Quantitative questions requiring graph, table and experimental data interpretation with statistical analysis.
Exam Languages
The official event notice confirms available examination languages and arrangements.
The academic master is in English. Authorised translations preserve meaning, difficulty, values and answer equivalence; confirm your chosen language during registration.
Round 1 → Antalya → Barcelona
Qualify from Round 1 for Antalya, then qualify from Antalya for Barcelona. Top 40% progression applies at each qualifying stage.
First qualifying stage
Check the official dates, registration requirements and participation package for the relevant event. Qualification does not automatically waive fees or travel responsibilities.
Exam Format
All rounds use 20 questions, 90 minutes and a maximum of 100 points, with the same section weights and level-appropriate difficulty.
Three stages of the journey
Achievements and Awards
Level 07 — Grades 11–12
Selected high-achieving students may be considered for announced university scholarship or counselling opportunities. These depend on programme conditions and do not guarantee admission.
International development opportunities
Selected participants may be offered announced educational, exchange or cultural programmes. Availability, selection, duration, destinations and covered services depend on the relevant programme.
Organization & Participation Package
Participation-package conditions for Antalya and Barcelona apply where stated in the official event announcement. Review the included services and costs before booking.
- 4 or 5-star hotel accommodation
- Breakfast included
- Airport-hotel transfers
- Local transportation services
- Registration and exam fees
Passports, visas, insurance, travel and personal costs remain the participant’s responsibility unless expressly included. Qualification and optional programme benefits are separate.
Ethical Rules & Exam Security
Grades 3–12 • Levels 03–07 • Individual examination
Competition Rules & Guidelines
Review the official competition rules, evaluation criteria, project requirements and submission guidelines before preparing your project.
Participation implies acceptance of the official rulebook. All teams, mentors, and students are expected to read, understand, and comply with the rules.