4. Sciences

DP Science Teachers

Mr Andrew Bullough, Head of Department,  biology, TOK - abullough@dresden-is.de

Mr Hastings McIver,  biology - hmciver@dresden-is.de

Mrs Ritu Rathod, physics - rrathod@dresden-is.de 

Mr Keith McCanna, chemistry - kmccanna@dresden-is.de 

1. Is there any difference in the way the three sciences are assessed in the DP?

Answer: No difference at all. The number of examinations, percentage weighting of each exam and internal assessment grading is identical for biology, chemistry and physics. High School Diploma students are assessed differently, and this is addressed in question 6 below.

2. Is one science 'easier' than another?

Answer: In general, no, but of course it depends upon a students' aptitude and interests. All sciences contain similar elements of learning and, particularly at higher level, there is the need for sustained interest in the subject of choice, and a willingness to spend additional hours in extensive review of fine detail. This applies to all three science areas. Students that find mathematics challenging would also struggle with some aspects of higher level sciences, particularly with physics. Standard level sciences are accessible to all students that meet the general entry criteria.

3. Do I have to choose 2 science subjects?

Answer: No. You must choose at least one science but one is enough for the Diploma to be awarded. As an additional piece of information. studying two sciences, for those with the interest, is a good way to consolidate and review the scientific method as there is some overlap, not only in assessment skills, but also in content. Students that study two sciences often find that the subjects complement each other and help understanding.

4. Which science subjects are needed for medicine, pharmacology, etc.?

Answer: Course requirements differ between countries and so you are well advised to research this, in combination with our Careers Guidance Service here at DIS, so that you make the correct subject selection. Please contact Mr. Harold Beck (hbeck@dresden-is.de)for specific answers concerning this topic.

5. What is the IA?

Answer: The Internal Assessment (IA) is an extended, individual investigation carried out by all students in their subject areas. In the sciences this is a 12-page lab report, which contributes 20% of the overall grade in a DP science course (at both standard and higher level). Students are prepared for the IA during DP11 and carry out the final IA during DP12. High School Diploma students also complete an IA, with modifications to content and weighting.

6. What other differences are there between the DP and the HSD in sciences?

Answer: High School Diploma students have a slightly reduced content in key units (for example in Unit 2, Biological Molecules) and do not sit the full set of three externally graded examinations. Instead, in addition to the regular tests sat throughout the two-year course, they sit modified and condensed versions of these examinations, which are graded by their teacher, at the end of DP12. This is similar with the IA, in that HSD students have their IA graded by their teacher, without external moderation taking place.

7. How has online learning impacted the sciences?

Answer: Whilst of course the ability to perform practical, laboratory-based activities is not there at the moment, time spent in school is never wasted and students will get the opportunity to develop hands-on skills during their regular, on campus classes. For the official Internal Assessment (IA) aspect of the course, students are permitted to use simulations and perform investigations using online data (a database investigation) and we provide students with plenty of opportunity to consider these online options when deciding which IA to carry out. Overall, both the IBO and DIS have risen successfully to this challenge.

8. What is the Group IV Project?

Answer: this is an enjoyable, collaborative project that we complete at the end of DP11. Students work in groups around a theme and use aspects of the 3 sciences to analyse a scientific issue and create a presentation on findings. It is not examined and contributes no grades to the Diploma, but is a compulsory part of the Diploma Programme as it allows students to experience real-world science and reflect upon the way scientific development works, i.e. through multiple disciplines sharing skills and knowledge. Last year we completed the Group IV Project during Online Learning, looking at factors affecting the R0 (R-Nought) value of Covid-19 using a computer simulation and then researching how different countries responded.

Here is an example of some of last year's DP11 Group IV Project: