Group 4: Sciences

Biology aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge and deeper understanding of the Life Sciences and their relevance in the world we inhabit and share. Despite the subject being content‐ and terminology ‘heavy’, the course requires and encourages students to research and develop their own opinion of current issues and trends in the Life Sciences. Practical work will reinforce the theory taught, and help develop the students’ abilities in the gathering, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of scientific information.

Course content  – cell and molecular biology, DNA/RNA, replication and protein synthesis, cell division, genetics and biotechnology, ecology and conservation, evolution and biodiversity, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, human physiology (digestion, breathing, blood and the heart, defence against disease, nerves and co‐ordination, muscles and movement, hormones and homeostatic control, reproduction, kidney and excretion) and plant science.

Students in DP1 and DP2 prepare for external examinations that take place at the end of the two year course. Within the two year program, students will have the opportunity to write numerous TESTS and two sets of INTERNAL EXAMS. Practical work will be based on developing the skills needed by all students to investigate and complete the INDIVIDUAL PRACTICAL EXPERIMENT (a 10 hour investigation and write‐up based on 4 criteria – research design/data analysis/conclusion/evaluation . This will be undertaken at the end of DP1 or start DP2. The COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE PROJECT (which all science students must undertake) mirrors the work of real scientists by encouraging collaboration across group 4 and between schools.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 36% (2hr) 

Paper 1A : Multiple‐choice questions 

Paper 1B:  Data based Questions

Paper 2: 40% (2hr30 min) 

Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level and additional higher level material.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

A 10 hour scientific investigation and write‐up based on 4 criteria -  research design (6 points),  data analysis (6 points), conclusion (6 points),  evaluation (6 points) 

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 36% (1hr30) 

Paper 1A : Multiple‐choice questions 

Paper 1B:  Data based Questions

Paper 2: 40% (1hr30 min) 

Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level and additional higher level material.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

A 10 hour scientific investigation and write‐up based on 4 criteria -  research design (6 points),  data analysis (6 points), conclusion (6 points),  evaluation (6 points)

• The ability to evaluate and assess the validity of biological information, experiments, inferences and statements.

• The application of biological principles and concepts in solving problems in unfamiliar situations.

• Developing an understanding of scientific method including the nature of scientific ‘ways of knowing’

• Showing the ability to interpret and translate data from one form to another

• Being able to organize relevant information clearly and coherently, using an appropriate form and style and employing specialist vocabulary.

And beyond...

Careers in: Medicine and medically related options, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Dietetics, Genetics, amongst others.

Biology is particularly relevant to studies in the ranges/areas of: Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology, the Environment and Conservation.

• Be able to work with a content-heavy syllabus

• Meet deadlines

• Be proficient in the use of Excel

• Actively seek knowledge and understanding independently

• Read around the subject (books, articles, magazines)

Standard Level

• A consistent, high 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences, or the Applied Earth Science course.

• A minimum 18/32 total points, as an overall grade for the Sciences.

• A steady [5, 5] for criteria A and C, and a [4/5] for criterion B.

Higher Level

• A consistent, high 5 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences, or the Applied Earth Science course.

• A minimum 23/32 total points, as an overall grade for the Sciences/Applied Earth Science.

• A steady [6, 6] for criteria A and C, and a [5] for criterion B.

Chemistry is offered at Higher level and Standard level at the ISE – and aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge and deeper understanding of the structure of matter, the chemical processes substances undergo and analytical methods. Practical work will reinforce the theory taught, and help develop the students’ abilities in the gathering, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of scientific information.

Core (SL and HL): Stoichiometry, Atomic Structure, Periodicity, Chemical bonding and structure, Energetics/thermochemistry, Chemical kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and bases, Redox processes, Organic chemistry, Measurement and data processing, Experimental Techniques.

Additional higher level (AHL) material: Spectroscopic Techniques, Transition metals, Analysis, and extensions on all the topics in the core

Students in DP1 and DP2 prepare for external examinations that take place at the end of the two year course : two papers are written in HL and SL. Within the two year program, students will have the opportunity to write numerous tests and two sets of internal exams.  Practical work will be based on developing the skills needed by all students to investigate and complete the Scientific Investigation (a 10 hour investigation (preferably practical) and write‐ up based on 4 criteria – research design/ data analysis/ conclusion/ evaluation). This will be undertaken in DP2. The Collaborative Sciences Project (which all science students must undertake) mirrors the work of real scientists by encouraging collaboration across group 4 and between schools.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 36% (2hr) 

Paper 1A : Multiple‐choice questions 

Paper 1B:  Data based Questions

Paper 2: 40% (2hr30 min) 

Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level and additional higher level material.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

A 10 hour scientific investigation and write‐up based on 4 criteria -  research design (6 points),  data analysis (6 points), conclusion (6 points),  evaluation (6 points) 

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 36% (1hr30) 

Paper 1A : Multiple‐choice questions 

Paper 1B:  Data based Questions

Paper 2: 40% (1hr30 min) 

Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level and additional higher level material.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

A 10 hour scientific investigation and write‐up based on 4 criteria -  research design (6 points),  data analysis (6 points), conclusion (6 points),  evaluation (6 points)

The ability to analyse and evaluate chemical information, experiments, data and statements. The application of chemical principles and concepts in solving problems. Developing an understanding of scientific method including the nature of scientific ‘ways of knowing’. Explaining phenomena using accepted chemical theories. Using an appropriate form and style and employing specialist vocabulary. Showing the ability to interpret and translate data from one form to another. Being able to organize relevant information clearly and coherently.

And beyond...

Chemistry is relevant for careers and studies in: Medicine, Pharmacy, Process Technology, Material Science, Food technology, Forensic Science, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Geology.

• Meet deadlines

• Actively seek knowledge and understanding independently

• Read around the subject (books, articles, magazines) or view (documentaries, videos, demonstrations)

• Be confident with calculations and abstract concepts (esp. HL)

• Able to write core notes during lessons

Standard Level

• A consistent, high 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences.

• A minimum 18/32 total points, as an overall grade for the Sciences.

• A steady [5, 5] for criteria A and C, and a [4/5] for criterion B.

Higher Level

• A consistent, high 5 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences.

• A minimum 23/32 total points, as an overall grade for the Sciences.

• A steady [6, 6] for criteria A and C, and a [5] for criterion B.

Physics is offered both at Higher Level subject and Standard Level at the ISE – and aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge and deeper understanding of wide range of physical concepts. Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles—quarks (perhaps 10-17  m in size), which may be truly fundamental—to the vast distances between galaxies (1024 m)..

Core (HL/SL) topics studied include: Space, time and motion ( kinematics, mechanics, work /energy and power), The particulate nature of matter( thermal energy transfer, greenhouse effect, gas laws and DC electricity), Wave behaviour (simple harmonic motion, wave models, wave phenonemena, standing waves and ressonance, Doppler effect), Fields (gravitational field, electrical and magnetic field, motion in fields), Nuclear and quantum physics ( structure of the atom, quantum physics, radioactive decay, fission, fusion and stars)

Additional higher level topic: special relativity, rigid body mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetic induction

Students in DP1 and DP2 prepare for external examinations that take place at the end of the two year course : three papers are written in HL. Within the two year program, students will have the opportunity to write numerous TESTS and three sets of INTERNAL EXAMS. Practical work will be based on developing the skills needed by all students to investigate and complete the INDIVIDUAL PRACTICAL EXPERIMENT (a 10 hour investigation and write-up based on 4 criteria of differing values – research design, data analysis, conclusion, evaluation). This will be undertaken in DP2. The Collaborative sciences PROJECT (which all science students must undertake) mirrors the work of real scientists by encouraging collaboration across group 4 and between schools.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 36% (2hr) 

Paper 1A : Multiple‐choice questions 

Paper 1B:  Data based Questions

Paper 2: 40% (2hr30 min) 

Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level and additional higher level material.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

A 10 hour scientific investigation and write‐up based on 4 criteria -  research design (6 points),  data analysis (6 points), conclusion (6 points),  evaluation (6 points) 

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 36% (1hr30) 

Paper 1A : Multiple‐choice questions 

Paper 1B:  Data based Questions

Paper 2: 40% (1hr30 min) 

Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level and additional higher level material.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

A 10 hour scientific investigation and write‐up based on 4 criteria -  research design (6 points),  data analysis (6 points), conclusion (6 points),  evaluation (6 points)

The course allows students to develop practical skills and techniques and to increase facility in the use of mathematics. It also allows students to develop interpersonal skills, and information and communication technology skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavour and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right.

And beyond...

Careers and studies in: Engineering, medicine, instrumentation, aerospace, telecommunication, meteorology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, education, astronomy…

• Meet deadlines

• Be proficient in the use of Excel or other graphical analysis software

• Actively seek knowledge and understanding independently

• Read around the subject (books, articles, magazines)

Standard Level

• A consistent, high 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences.

• A minimum 18/32 total points, as an overall grade for the Sciences.

• A steady [5, 4/5] for criteria A and C, and a [4/5] for criterion B.

Higher Level

• A consistent, high 5 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences.

• A minimum 23/32 total points, as an overall grade for the Sciences.

• A steady [6, 6] for criteria A and C, and a [5] for criterion B.

Design Technology is offered both at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) at the ISE. The subject aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge and deeper understanding of a wide range of design concepts. 

Core (SL) topics include: Ergonomics, User Centered & Inclusive Design, Modelling & Prototyping Techniques, Material Properties & Selection, and Sustainable design.

Core (HL) topics include: Structural Systems, Mechanical System, Electronic Systems, Manufacturing, Production Systems, and Life-Cycle Analysis.

Along with the studied content, a practical design project will be undertaken by each student.

Students in DP1 and DP2 prepare for external examinations that take place at the end of the two year course: Two papers are written for all students. Within the two year program, students will have the opportunity to write numerous TESTS and one INTERNAL EXAM. 

Practical work will be based on developing the skills needed by all students to investigate and complete the INDIVIDUAL DESIGN PROJECT; a 50-hour investigation and write-up based on an approved topic of choice and assessed under the five IB Internal Assessment criteria of Empathise, Define, Ideate/Model, Design, and Present. The individual design project will be undertaken over the course of DP1 and DP2.

The GROUP 4 COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE PROJECT (which all science students must undertake) mirrors the work of real scientists by encouraging collaboration across all group 4 (science) subjects. 

A weighing of 60% for the exam (external assessment) and 40% for the Individual Project (IA) will be used for SL, while a weighing of 70% for the exam (external assessment) and 30% for the Individual Project (IA) will be used for HL.

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 60%

Paper 1: 20% 30 multiple‐choice questions on the core topics covered in the SL curriculum

Paper 2: 40% Short and extended answer questions on the core topics covered in the SL curriculum

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 40%

A 50 hour  individual, documented design project addressing a real-world design problem.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 60%

Paper 1: 25% 40 multiple‐choice questions on the core topics covered in the SL and HL curriculum.

Paper 2: 45% Short and extended answer questions on the core topics covered in the SL and HL curriculum.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 30%

A 50 hour  individual, documented design project addressing a real-world design problem.

Skills Gained on the Course

The course allows students to develop important practical skills and design thinking skills. They will gain knowledge on mechanical structures and systems, electronics and the important role of the designer in developing a more sustainable world, while keeping the user at the center of the design process. Important engineering computer aided design skills including finite element analysis and model making are also part of the learning journey.

It also allows students to develop their interpersonal skills, information, and communication technology skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavour and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right.

Possible career paths as a result of studying design:  Engineering (mechanical and other), architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial & product design, computer-aided design, web design, sustainable design & development, UX/UI design, fashion/textile design amongst many others.

• Intrinsic motivation to complete work and seek constructive feedback. E.g. sending parts to be made and liaising with the technician outside of class time.

• Being able to embrace failure as a necessary part of learning, developing and success.

• Have basic conceptual modelling/prototyping skills to communicate concepts. Basic understanding/experience with tools and materials.

• Be proficient in the use of vector based, pixel based and CAD based software applications

• Display unbiased, curious, investigative and active attitude towards seeking knowledge and understanding independently.

• Demonstrate an active personal interest of the subject in general (books, articles, blogs, magazines, hobbies)

Standard Level

• A consistent 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade.

• A minimum 17/32 total points, as an overall grade for science.

• A steady [5, 4/5] for criteria A and C, and a 4/5 for criterion B.

• The department will look at grades for individual sciences as relevant to the application.

Higher Level

• A consistent 5 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade.

• A minimum 23/32 total points, as an overall grade for science.

• A steady [6,  5/6] for criteria A and C, and a 5 for criterion B.

• The department will look at grades for individual sciences as relevant to the application.

ESS is an interdisciplinary group 3 and 4 course that is offered only at SL . More information about the new course will be published very soon. As an interdisciplinary course, ESS is designed to combine the methodology, techniques and knowledge associated with group 4 (sciences) with those associated with group 3 (individuals and societies). Because it is an interdisciplinary course, students can study ESS and have it count as either a group 3 or a group 4 course, or as both. If students choose the latter option, this leaves the opportunity to study an additional subject from any other group, including an additional group 3 or group 4 subject.

The course is firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political, and social interactions of societies with the environment. It is recognized that to understand the environmental issues of the 21st century and suggest suitable management solutions, both the human and environmental aspects must be understood. Students should be encouraged to develop solutions from a personal to a community and to a global scale.

Topics include: Foundations of environmental systems and societies, Ecosystems and ecology, Biodiversity and conservation, Water and aquatic food production systems and societies, Soil systems and terrestrial food production systems and societies, Atmospheric systems and societies, Climate change and energy production, Human systems and resource use

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 75%

Paper 1: 25% A case study

Paper 2: 50% Part A :Short answers and data based questions. Part B structured essay.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 25%

An individual investigation of an ESS research question that has been designed and implemented by the student. The investigation is submitted as a written report and is assessed with a set of criteria: identifying the subject (6pts), planning (6pts), result analysis and conclusion (6pts), discussion and evaluation (6pts), applications (3 pts), communication (3pts).

ESS is a complex course, requiring a diverse set of skills from its students. As a result of studying this course, students will become equipped with the ability to recognize and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world.

The interdisciplinary nature of the course requires a broad skill set from students and includes the ability to perform research and investigations and to participate in philosophical discussion. The course requires a systems approach to environmental understanding and problem solving, and promotes holistic thinking about environmental issues.

And beyond...

Career opportunities related to Environmental Systems & Societies: Environment and agriculture, Government and public administration, Energy and utilities, Countryside manager, Environmental consultant, Environmental education officer, Environmental manager, Nature conservation officer, Recycling officer. Waste management officer, Water quality scientist, Environmental health practitioner, Landscape architect. Local government administrator, Transport planner, Town planner.

• Meet deadlines

• Be proficient in the use of Excel

• Actively seek knowledge and understanding independently

• Read around the subject (books, articles, magazines)

Standard Level

• A consistent 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for Applied Earth Science or the Sciences. 

• A minimum 18/32 total points, as an overall grade for Applied Earth Science or the Sciences.

• A steady [5, 4/5] for criteria A and C, and a [4/5] for criterion B.

• The department will look at grades from Applied Earth Science and/or Biology, specifically for ESS recommendations.

A student who wishes to take three sciences must meet the IB regulations and subsequently ensure the following:

• Obtaining a consistent minimum level 6 out of 7 as an overall grade in the sciences throughout each reporting period for MP4 and MP5.

• Within the grade above, obtaining a consistent grade 6/8 for criterion A (knowing and understanding) and criterion C (processing and evaluating).

• Obtain a proof of necessity from potential university for three sciences for chosen course of study prior to the start of DP1.

Important note:

For students wishing to study medical studies in the Netherlands, institutions require candidates to have a certain level proficiency in Dutch language (minimum level B2) at the start of year 4  leading to level C1 within the first semester. It is therefore recommended to students who want to take on medical studies in NL to study the Dutch language in DP.

Interested students should write a letter of intent, including their proof from a potential university, and submit it to Mr. Bailly, the DP Coordinator, in the winter of their MP5 school year. Final approval for studying the three sciences in the DP rests with the school.