Group 4: The Sciences

The course includes studies in cell anatomy, the chemistry of life, molecular biology, theoretical and applied genetics, Evolution, ecology, classification, diversity There will also be a ten-hour group research project in the second semester, as well as a substantial amount of laboratory work. Current developments in biology will be considered as they arise. IB HL Biology is for students who are strong in science and may be considering studying a biology-related degree at university. Students might consider taking IB Chemistry concurrently and would benefit with having taken Chem. 1. It will help to be conversant with a number of chemical principles both for the IB HL Biology course and for most biology-related undergraduate studies at university.

The 2​nd ​year of the course follows studies in human health and physiology, including nutrition, transport system, defense against disease, gas exchange, homeostasis and reproduction, respiration, photosynthesis, advanced genetics, genetic engineering, plant science, and one further option chosen from a selection. There will be substantial laboratory work. Current developments in biology will be considered as they arise. Students who take this course will be expected to sit for the IB HL examination. IB Biology II also requires an Internal Assessment Laboratory project comprised of approx. 10 hours of individual research and a 7-12 page formal report.

For Further Information and Assessment Overviews, Please Consult the IBDP Biology SL Subject Brief & the IBDP Biology HL Subject Brief

Standard Level (SL):

In this course students will further investigate how the structure of atoms and molecules determines the physical and chemical properties of matter. Students will study topics in quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and oxidation and reduction. An additional topic beyond the core is required and students will study “ Medicinal Chemistry” to meet this requirement. The students also develop skills in conducting laboratory experiments and evaluating the results conducting a minimum of 40 hours of laboratory work over the two year period. During IB Chemistry II Students will also conduct an Internal Assessment laboratory project comprised of approximately 10 hours of individual research and a 7-12 page formal report which constitutes 20% of their IB score.

For Further Information and Assessment Overviews, Please Consult the IBDP Chemistry SL Subject Brief

Higher Level (HL):

This course studies the topics listed above in IB Chemistry SL I to a greater extent and depth. The HL course also involves a more mathematical description of chemical processes.These students will have completed a minimum of 60 hours of laboratory work over the two year period. The majority of these students will be expecting to include science as a major component of their university studies.

For Further Information and Assessment Overviews, Please Consult the IBDP Chemistry HL Subject Brief

Standard Level (SL):

IB Physics SL is the first of a two-year IB Physics sequence, designed to prepare students for the (IB) exam in physics (SL). It covers the “core” which comprises of Mechanics (Linear motion, Forces, Work, Momentum, Newton’s laws, Circular motion, electricity, magnetism and atomic and nuclear physics, and Energy/Power) Waves, Thermal physics and Energy/Climate change. There is an emphasis on problem solving, numerical manipulation, and laboratory skills. The SL students are required to have completed 40 hrs of laboratory investigations by the end of the 2​nd ​year. All the standards set by IB are strictly followed, for a successful completion of the program. Mathematical competence is essential for success in this course.

For Further Information and Assessment Overviews, Please Consult the IBDP Physics SL Subject Brief

Higher Level (HL):

IB Physics HL is the second of the two-year sequence, building upon topics covered in the SL course. The topics include fields, wave phenomena, electromagnetic induction, and quantum & nuclear physics. HL students are required to have completed 60 hrs of laboratory investigations by the end of the 2 years. All the standards set by IB are strictly followed, for a successful completion of the program. Mathematical competence is essential for success in this course.

For Further Information and Assessment Overviews, Please Consult the IBDP Physics HL Subject Brief