The document outlines the aims, objectives, and course structure for the Group 4 sciences in the IB Diploma Programme. The four subjects offered are Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and an interdisciplinary Group 4 project. The core concepts are the same for both SL and HL levels, with additional higher-level topics. Assessment includes external exams covering the core and options, as well as an internal scientific investigation. Students will also complete practical activities and a Group 4 interdisciplinary project.

1. Group Four: Sciences
Aims and Objectives of the course
Through studying any of the Group 4 subjects, students should become aware of how scientists
work and communicate with each other. While “scientific method” may take a variety of forms, it
is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that distinguishes the Group 4
subjects from other disciplines and characterises each of the subjects within Group 4.
Outline of the Group Four courses offered
Chemistry
Chemistry is a prerequisite for many courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science
and environmental science. Standard Level and Higher Level students study the same topics, but there
is more content for the Higher Level students, a lot of which is mathematical.
The core: (Subjects studied by all students)
Stochiometric relationships
Atomic structure
Periodicity
Chemical Bonding and Structure
Energetics / Thermodynamics
Chemical Kinetics
Equilibrium
Acids and Bases
Redox processes
Organic Chemistry
Measurement and data processing
Options: In addition to the above topics, students study ONE option: Materials, Biochemistry,
Energy OR Medicinal chemistry
Biology
An interest in life is natural for humans; not only are we living organisms ourselves, but we depend on
many species for our survival, are threatened by some and co-exist with many more. Biology is a
subject which is conceptually rich; there is therefore a lot of vocabulary to master.
The core: (Subjects studied by all students)
Cell biology
Molecular Biology
Ecology
Genetics
Evolution
Human physiology
Options: In addition to the above topics, students study ONE option: Neurobiology and behaviour and
Ecology and conservation, Ecology and conservation OR Human physiology.
Additional Higher Level: (Studied by higher level students only)
Nucleic acids
Plant biology
Genetics and evolution
Animal physiology

2. Physics
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself
from the very smallest particles which may be truly fundamental—to the vast distances between
galaxies. As it is strongly mathematical, we recommended that students choosing Physics should be at
ease in mathematics.
Additional Higher Level: (Studied by higher level students only)
Wave phenomena
Fields
Electromagnetic induction
Quantum and nuclear physics
Options:In addition to the above topics, students study ONE option: Relativity,Engineering physics,
Astrophysics OR Imaging.
The core: (Subjects studied by all students)
Measurements and uncertainties
Mechanics
Thermal physics
Waves
Electricity and magnetism
Circular motion and gravitation
Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
Energy production
External assessment
Component
Weighting
Format and syllabus coverage
SL HL
Paper 1 20%
Multiple choice questions on the core designed to examine breadth of
knowledge. No marks are deducted for incorrect responses. Calculators
are not permitted but students are expected to carry out simple
calculations.
Paper 2 40% 36%
Examines the core. Section A: one data-based question and several
compulsory short-answer questions. Section B: one or two extended-
response questions (from a choice of three or four). These may involve
writing a number of paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or
carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation. A calculator is
required.
Paper 3 20% 24%
Section A: 2 or 3 short-answer questions based on experimental skills,
techniques, analysis and evaluation, using unseen data linked to the core
material. Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions on the
option. A calculator is required.
Internal Assessment
Component Weighting Format and syllabus coverage
Investigation 20%
One scientific investigation taking about 10 hours followed by a write-up
6 to 12 pages long.
The investigation is assessed in the following areas:
 Personal engagement
 Exploration
 Analysis
 Evaluation
 Communication

3. Group 4 Project
All students have to carry out an interdisciplinary project in which diploma students from the
different group 4 subjects analyse a common topic or problem. We hope to find an international
partner for our group 4 project work. The emphasis is on the processes involved in, rather than the
products the activity. Students will present the results of their projects during the annual Science
Fair.
Practical Activities
Students will also carry out a range of practical activities serving, among other things, to reinforce
theoretical concepts, and helping students to develop an appreciation of the benefits and limitations
of scientific methodology. Standard Level students will spend a minimum of 20 hours carrying out
practical work and Higher Level students 40 hours. This is examined in section A of paper three.