Group 4 - Sciences

The experimental sciences focus on different aspects of our surrounding world ranging from investigating fundamental particles and their interactions to the complexities of living organisms and the significance of their relationships with the environment. Each science contributes exciting and unexpected perspectives to our understanding.

However different they may seem in your day-to-day studies the experimental sciences all rely on the ‘scientific method’ and the cooperation of many people for pursuing knowledge and developing our understanding of all the phenomena around us. The scientific method means being flexible in one’s approach and developing understanding by testing hypotheses which may have to be rejected if they are not supported by evidence. This and working in a team are considered so important that your skills in practical investigations and multidisciplinary teamwork are evaluated during the course and contribute to your final grade.

To extend your understanding of the benefits of multi-disciplinary teams the IB expects all students to participate in the ‘Group 4 Project’. This normally takes place in June of Year 12 and involves students from all the Group 4 subjects working in multi-disciplinary teams to investigate a research question that their team has chosen during an initial brainstorming session. This question relates to an overall theme being investigated by the whole year group and at the end of the project each team presents its findings and contribution to answering the main research question. This is a unique opportunity to work with people doing other subjects and can be an exciting change from normal school life.

Each science has its own special challenges for understanding and success. It is very important to choose the area that interests you most, so that you find the energy and enthusiasm to overcome any difficulties that you may have to face during the course. These may include grappling with abstract concepts, using mathematical skills, designing and writing up your investigations, understanding and learning complex details or the written expression of your knowledge and ideas. All of these form part of each science course in varying degrees and may be a considerable challenge for you.

Suggestions of useful strengths for each of the different sciences are as follows. For physics and chemistry you need to be able to work with abstract concepts and be very comfortable with doing calculations. In biology you need to be able to learn complex details of cell activities and organ systems that can involve basic chemistry, physics and maths while in environmental systems and society you need to have facility in interlinking information about different topics. Although it is important to be aware of the potential difficulties when making your choices, your desire to know more about the subject and willingness to work hard will be crucial aspects for your eventual success.