IB Group 4 subjects
Encyclopedia
The Group 4 subjects of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
comprise the main scientific emphasis of this internationally recognized high school programme. They consist of five courses, four of which are offered at both the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL): Chemistry, Biology, Physics
, and Design Technology. There is also Astronomy and a transdisciplinary course, Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only), that satisfies Diploma requirements for Groups 3 and 4, and a pilot course, Sports, Exercise, and Health Science, that is offered at schools participating in the pilot program. Astronomy also exists as a school based syllabus, particularly exciting if taken alongside Physics. Students taking two or more Group 4 subjects may combine any of the aforementioned, except for Environmental Systems and Biology.
Assessment of a Group 4 subject comprises the following:
At the Standard Level, the examinations are respectively 45 minutes, 1 hour and 15 minutes, and 1 hour long. At the Higher Level, they are 1 hour, 2 hours and 15 minutes, and 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Calculators are not permitted for Paper 1, but they (as well as a provided formula booklet and periodic table) are permitted for papers 2 and 3.
is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe
itself, from the very smallest particles — quarks — to the vast distances between galaxies.
with 30 hours of instruction on two optional subjects:
and 40 hours of practical work.
and 45 hours of instruction on two optional subjects:
and 60 hours of practical work.
and 30 hours on two options from the topics:
together with 40 hours of practical work.
and 45 hours on two of the additional topics in the standard course, and 60 hours of practical work.
80 hours of instruction on 6 topics
with 30 hours of instruction on two options from:
with 45 hours of instruction on addition topics in the SL course plus:
The theory is covered in detail on a number of websites http://www.patana.ac.th/secondary/science/index.home.htmhttp://www.saburchill.com/IBbiology/bio_hp.html
The Internal Assessment for Biology includes the submission of a number of lab reports covering certain skills like ability to plan an experiment, ability to present data and ability to process data. Overall these count for 24 percent of a student's final grade.
with additional topics in the higher level:
IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year educational programme for students aged 16–19that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. It was developed in the early to mid-1960s in Geneva by...
comprise the main scientific emphasis of this internationally recognized high school programme. They consist of five courses, four of which are offered at both the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL): Chemistry, Biology, Physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, and Design Technology. There is also Astronomy and a transdisciplinary course, Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only), that satisfies Diploma requirements for Groups 3 and 4, and a pilot course, Sports, Exercise, and Health Science, that is offered at schools participating in the pilot program. Astronomy also exists as a school based syllabus, particularly exciting if taken alongside Physics. Students taking two or more Group 4 subjects may combine any of the aforementioned, except for Environmental Systems and Biology.
Structure and assessment
Group 4 subjects follow roughly the same format. Each subject has its Subject Specific Core (SSC), i.e., material taught at both the standard and higher levels. Students sitting the Higher Level examination study the Additional Higher Level (AHL) material. Lastly, there is a list of options for each subject from which two are chosen. Higher Level students are sometimes unable to choose certain options that are available to Standard Level students because the AHL already covers it. Ideally, students choose the options based on their own abilities and preferences, but in practice the options are usually chosen by the school (based on the school's scientific facilities as well as the discretion of the instructor). Students spend one-quarter of the 150 hours of SL instruction (240 hours for HL; however, both numbers are merely recommendations and are not enforced) doing practical work in the laboratory. Group 4 subjects at the Standard Level are tailored for students who do not see themselves in further science instruction after leaving the programme.Assessment of a Group 4 subject comprises the following:
- Internal assessment of the practical work (24%)
- Paper 1 – multiple choice questions on the SSC (20%)
- Paper 2 – free response questions on the SSC (32% at SL, 36% at HL)
- Paper 3 – free response questions on the options (24% at SL, 20% at HL)
At the Standard Level, the examinations are respectively 45 minutes, 1 hour and 15 minutes, and 1 hour long. At the Higher Level, they are 1 hour, 2 hours and 15 minutes, and 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Calculators are not permitted for Paper 1, but they (as well as a provided formula booklet and periodic table) are permitted for papers 2 and 3.
Physics
PhysicsPhysics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
itself, from the very smallest particles — quarks — to the vast distances between galaxies.
Physics Standard Level
80 hours of instruction on 8 topics- Physics and physical measurement
- MechanicsMechanicsMechanics is the branch of physics concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment....
- Thermal physicsThermal physicsThermal physics is the combined study of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory. This umbrella-subject is typically designed for physics students and functions to provide a general introduction to each of three core heat-related subjects...
- Oscillations and wavesWAVESThe WAVES were a World War II-era division of the U.S. Navy that consisted entirely of women. The name of this group is an acronym for "Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service" ; the word "emergency" implied that the acceptance of women was due to the unusual circumstances of the war and...
- Electric currents
- Fields and forces
- Atomic and nuclear physics
- Energy, power and climate change
with 30 hours of instruction on two optional subjects:
- Sight and wave phenomena
- Quantum physics and nuclear physicsNuclear physicsNuclear physics is the field of physics that studies the building blocks and interactions of atomic nuclei. The most commonly known applications of nuclear physics are nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons technology, but the research has provided application in many fields, including those...
- Digital technology
- RelativityTheory of relativityThe theory of relativity, or simply relativity, encompasses two theories of Albert Einstein: special relativity and general relativity. However, the word relativity is sometimes used in reference to Galilean invariance....
and particle physicsParticle physicsParticle physics is a branch of physics that studies the existence and interactions of particles that are the constituents of what is usually referred to as matter or radiation. In current understanding, particles are excitations of quantum fields and interact following their dynamics... - AstrophysicsAstrophysicsAstrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, as well as their interactions and behavior...
- Communications
- Electromagnetic Waves
and 40 hours of practical work.
Physics Higher Level
80 hours on Physics SL core subjects, with 55 hours on 6 additional topics:- Motion in fields
- Thermal physicsThermal physicsThermal physics is the combined study of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory. This umbrella-subject is typically designed for physics students and functions to provide a general introduction to each of three core heat-related subjects...
- Wave phenomena
- Electromagnetic induction
- Quantum physics and nuclear physicsNuclear physicsNuclear physics is the field of physics that studies the building blocks and interactions of atomic nuclei. The most commonly known applications of nuclear physics are nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons technology, but the research has provided application in many fields, including those...
- Digital technology
and 45 hours of instruction on two optional subjects:
- AstrophysicsAstrophysicsAstrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, as well as their interactions and behavior...
- Communications
- Electromagnetic Waves
- RelativityTheory of relativityThe theory of relativity, or simply relativity, encompasses two theories of Albert Einstein: special relativity and general relativity. However, the word relativity is sometimes used in reference to Galilean invariance....
- Medical PhysicsMedical physicsMedical physics is the application of physics to medicine. It generally concerns physics as applied to medical imaging and radiotherapy, although a medical physicist may also work in many other areas of healthcare...
- Particle PhysicsParticle physicsParticle physics is a branch of physics that studies the existence and interactions of particles that are the constituents of what is usually referred to as matter or radiation. In current understanding, particles are excitations of quantum fields and interact following their dynamics...
and 60 hours of practical work.
Chemistry Standard Level
80 hours of instruction on the topics:- Quantitative Chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Periodicity
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Equilibrium
- Acids and Bases
- Oxidation and reduction
- Organic chemistryOrganic chemistryOrganic chemistry is a subdiscipline within chemistry involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives...
- Measurement and data processing
and 30 hours on two options from the topics:
- Modern analytical chemistry
- Human Biochemistry
- Chemistry in industry and technology
- Medicines and drugs
- Environmental Chemistry
- Food chemistry
- Further Organic Chemistry
together with 40 hours of practical work.
Chemistry Higher Level
80 hours on the core subjects of the Standard level course with 55 hours of instruction on five of the topics:- Atomic structure
- PeriodicityFrequencyFrequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time. It is also referred to as temporal frequency.The period is the duration of one cycle in a repeating event, so the period is the reciprocal of the frequency...
- BondingChemical bondA chemical bond is an attraction between atoms that allows the formation of chemical substances that contain two or more atoms. The bond is caused by the electromagnetic force attraction between opposite charges, either between electrons and nuclei, or as the result of a dipole attraction...
- Energetics
- KineticsChemical kineticsChemical kinetics, also known as reaction kinetics, is the study of rates of chemical processes. Chemical kinetics includes investigations of how different experimental conditions can influence the speed of a chemical reaction and yield information about the reaction's mechanism and transition...
- EquilibriumVapor-liquid equilibriumVapor–liquid equilibrium is a condition where a liquid and its vapor are in equilibrium with each other, a condition or state where the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensation on a molecular level such that there is no net vapor-liquid interconversion...
- Acids and Bases
- Oxidation and reduction
- Organic chemistryOrganic chemistryOrganic chemistry is a subdiscipline within chemistry involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives...
and 45 hours on two of the additional topics in the standard course, and 60 hours of practical work.
Biology
Biology is the science of life and living organisms. Aside from instruction relevant to this, students are given the chance to learn complex laboratory techniques (e.g., DNA extraction) as well as develop mindful opinions about controversial topics in biology (e.g., stem-cell research and genetic modification). The syllabus lists thirteen topics, to be covered in an order varying from school to school:80 hours of instruction on 6 topics
- Statistical Analysis
- CellsCell (biology)The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....
- Chemistry of LifeBiochemistryBiochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
- GeneticsGeneticsGenetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
- EcologyEcologyEcology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
and evolutionEvolutionEvolution is any change across successive generations in the heritable characteristics of biological populations. Evolutionary processes give rise to diversity at every level of biological organisation, including species, individual organisms and molecules such as DNA and proteins.Life on Earth... - HealthHealthHealth is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain...
and human physiologyHuman physiologyHuman physiology is the science of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical, and biochemical functions of humans in good health, their organs, and the cells of which they are composed. Physiology focuses principally at the level of organs and systems...
with 30 hours of instruction on two options from:
- Human nutritionHuman nutritionHuman nutrition is the provision to humans to obtain the materials necessary to support life. In general, humans can survive for two to eight weeks without food, depending on stored body fat and muscle mass. Survival without water is usually limited to three or four days...
and health - Physiology of exercisePhysical exercisePhysical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons including strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, as well as for the purpose of...
- Cells and energyEnergyIn physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity. It is often understood as the ability a physical system has to do work on other physical systems...
- EvolutionEvolutionEvolution is any change across successive generations in the heritable characteristics of biological populations. Evolutionary processes give rise to diversity at every level of biological organisation, including species, individual organisms and molecules such as DNA and proteins.Life on Earth...
- Neurobiology and behaviorHuman behaviorHuman behavior refers to the range of behaviors exhibited by humans and which are influenced by culture, attitudes, emotions, values, ethics, authority, rapport, hypnosis, persuasion, coercion and/or genetics....
- Microbes and Biotechnology
- EcologyEcologyEcology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
and conservationConservation biologyConservation biology is the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction...
Biology higher level
80 hours of instruction on 6 topics in the standard course and 55 hours on a further 5 topics:- Nucleic acids and proteins
- Cellular respirationCellular respirationCellular respiration is the set of the metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate , and then release waste products. The reactions involved in respiration are catabolic reactions that involve...
and photosynthesisPhotosynthesisPhotosynthesis is a chemical process that converts carbon dioxide into organic compounds, especially sugars, using the energy from sunlight. Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and many species of bacteria, but not in archaea. Photosynthetic organisms are called photoautotrophs, since they can... - Plant ScienceBotanyBotany, plant science, or plant biology is a branch of biology that involves the scientific study of plant life. Traditionally, botany also included the study of fungi, algae and viruses...
- Genetics
- Human health and physiology
with 45 hours of instruction on addition topics in the SL course plus:
- Further human physiologyHuman physiologyHuman physiology is the science of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical, and biochemical functions of humans in good health, their organs, and the cells of which they are composed. Physiology focuses principally at the level of organs and systems...
The theory is covered in detail on a number of websites http://www.patana.ac.th/secondary/science/index.home.htmhttp://www.saburchill.com/IBbiology/bio_hp.html
The Internal Assessment for Biology includes the submission of a number of lab reports covering certain skills like ability to plan an experiment, ability to present data and ability to process data. Overall these count for 24 percent of a student's final grade.
Design Technology
Topics addressed in this section include:- Design process
- Product innovation
- Green design
- Materials
- Product development
- Product design
with additional topics in the higher level:
- Energy
- Structures
- Mechanical design
- Advanced manufacturing techniques
- Sustainable development.
Environmental systems and societies
120 teaching hours on the following topics:- Systems and models
- The ecosystem
- Human population, carrying capacity and resource use
- Conservation and biodiversity
- Pollution management
- The issue of global warming
- Environmental value systems