Biology
Prerequisites
Nil.
Course Structure: SL and HL
Course Description
Biology is an experimental science in which the scientific method of investigation forms an integral part of the study of living organisms. Within the course, living things are studied from the molecular level through to the macro interactions which occur in the biosphere. By the end of this course, students should have developed an appreciation of the interactions between these levels and of the organisms functioning as entities in the biosphere.
Standard Level
The material covered in the core includes: Unity and diversity, Form and function, Interaction and interdependence, & Continuity and change. There is an extensive programme of practical investigations.
Higher Level
In addition to the Standard Level core work, Higher Level material includes more content depth and skills complexity for each of the core topics.
ASSESSMENT at a Glance:
| Type of assessment | Format of assessment | Time (hours) SL | Time (hours) HL | Weighting of final grade |
| External | 3 | 4.5 | 80 | |
| Paper 1 | Paper 1A: Multiple-choice questions Paper 1B: Data-based questions and questions on experimental work | 1.5 | 2 | 36 |
| Paper 2 | Data-based and short-answer questions Extended-response questions | 1.5 | 2.5 | 44 |
| Internal | 10 | 20 | ||
| The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the student gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report. The maximum overall word count for the report is 3,000 words. | 10 | 20 | ||
Chemistry
Prerequisites
Nil.
Course Structure: SL and HL
Course Description
Chemistry is an experimental science concerned with the study of the materials of our environment, their properties and the ways in which they react with each other. The practical aspect of the programme is an integral part of the course and has a direct bearing on the student’s growing understanding of descriptive and theoretical chemistry.
Standard Level
Material covered in the core includes: the particulate nature of matter, bonding and structure, classification of matter, what drives chemical reactions?, rates and yields of reactions, and mechanisms of chemical change.
Higher Level
In addition to the Standard Level core work, Higher Level material includes more content depth and skills complexity for each of the topics studied as part of the SL course.
ASSESSMENT at a Glance:
| Type of assessment | Format of assessment | Time (hours) SL | Time (hours) HL | Weighting of final grade |
| External | 3 | 4.5 | 80 | |
| Paper 1 | Paper 1A: Multiple-choice questions Paper 1B: Data-based questions and questions on experimental work | 1.5 | 2 | 36 |
| Paper 2 | Short-answer questions and extended-response questions | 1.5 | 2.5 | 44 |
| Internal | 10 | 20 | ||
| The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the student gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report. The maximum overall word count for the report is 3,000 words. | 10 | 20 | ||
Design Technology
Prerequisites
Nil.
Course Structure: SL and HL
Course Description
Design, and the resultant development of new technologies, has given rise to profound changes in society: transforming how we access and process information; how we adapt our environment; how we communicate with others; how we are able to solve problems; how we work and live. Designers need to have an understanding of the possibilities offered by science to realize the full potential of what they can design in terms of new technologies, products and systems.
Decision-making needs to be supported by adequate and appropriate research and investigation. Designers must think “out of the box” to develop innovative solutions, while thinking “in the box” to conform to requirements set by clients or research.
The course is structured to equip the student to learn and develop through their use of design and technological concepts. Students will research, design and manufacture a product and plan to develop it into an innovation; that is to theoretically get the product to diffuse into the marketplace.
Past experience shows that students will be able to study design technology at Standard Level and Higher Level successfully with no background in, or previous knowledge of, the subject.
Standard Level
The core material provides information about the experience of designing and the role of the designer. At the same time it provides details about materials and processes.
The students will cover the following topics in the core: Human factors and ergonomics, Resource management and sustainable production, Modelling, Final production, Innovation and design, Classic design.
Assessment (SL)
External examination
Paper 1: 30 multiple-choice questions (0.75 hours, 30%)
Paper 2: short-answer questions (1.5 hours, 30%)
Internal Assessment
Design Project: 40%
Higher Level
Higher level is an extension study of the core covered at (Standard Level), it builds upon the six topics studied by looking into an additional four topics of: User-centred design (UCD), Sustainability, Innovation and markets, Commercial production. It allows students to see how a product can be turned into an innovation, successfully diffused into the market place and what is needed for a product to be part of a commercial product family.
Assessment (HL)
External examination
Paper 1: 40 multiple-choice questions (1 hour, 20%)
Paper 2: short-answer questions (1.5 hours, 20%)
Paper 3: structured questions on the HL extension material (1.5 Hours, 20%)
Internal Assessment
Design Project: 40%
Physics
Prerequisites
Nil
Course Structure: SL and HL
Course Description
Physics aims to develop an understanding of the concepts and principles of this experimental science. The core syllabus provides a non-calculus approach to fundamental Physics. The options lead to a deeper understanding and allow for discussion of some of the technique-orientated applications.
Standard Level
The material covered in the core includes: measurement and uncertainties, mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity and magnetism, circular motion and gravitation, atomic, nuclear and particle physics and energy production.
ASSESSMENT (SL)
Internal Assessment
The internal investigation is a report on a single investigation which involves approximately 10 hours and should be in the region of between 6-12 pages in length. (20%)
External Examinations
Paper 1: Section A: 30 multiple choice questions. Section B will consist of one data-based question and several short answer questions on experimental work (1.5 hour, 36%)
Paper 2: Short answer and extended response questions on core material. (1.5 hours, 44%)
Higher Level
Core material includes the same topics as the Standard Level course but with extensions and in more detail. Extension areas include Quantum and Nuclear Physics, Wave Phenomenon, Fields and Electromagnetic Induction, Rotational Dynamics and Special Relativity.
Higher Level students are required to study one option from: Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging and Astrophysics. The duration of the option is 25 hours.
ASSESSMENT (HL)
Internal Assessment
The internal investigation is a report on a single investigation which involves approximately 10 hours and should be in the region of between 6-12 pages in length. (20%)
External Examinations
Paper 1: Section A: 40 multiple choice questions on core and AHL, about 15 of which are common with SL. Section B will consist of one data-based question and several short answer questions on experimental work. (2 hour, 36%)
Paper 2: Short answer and extended response questions on core and AHL material. (2.5 hours, 36%)
Sports, Exercise and Health Science
Prerequisites
Nil.
Course Structure: SL and HL
Course Description
Sports, Exercise and Health Science can be studied as a Standard Level or Higher Level Subject.
The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sports, exercise and health. Students will cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyse human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimension and ethics by considering sports, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context.
Standard Level:
Students study six compulsory topics which are: anatomy; exercise physiology; energy systems; movement analysis; skill in sport and measurement and evaluation of human performance. Students will also study two optional topics from: optimising physiological performance; psychology of sport; physical activity and health; nutrition for sport, exercise and health.
ASSESSMENT (SL)
Internal Assessment
Individual investigations. (20%)
External Examinations
Paper 1: 30 multiple choice questions. (0.75 hours, 20%)
Paper 2: One data-based question and several short answer questions and one extended response. (1.25 hours, 35%)
Paper 3: Several short answer questions in each of the two options studied. (1 hour, 25%)
Higher Level:
In addition to the Standard Level core work, Higher Level students study seven compulsory topics which are: further anatomy; the endocrine system; fatigue; friction and drag; skill acquisition and analysis; genetics and athletic performance and exercise and immunity. Students will also study two optional topics from: optimising physiological performance; psychology of sport; physical activity and health; nutrition for sport, exercise and health.
ASSESSMENT (HL)
Internal Assessment
Individual investigations. (20%)
External Examinations
Paper 1: 40 multiple choice questions. (1 hour, 20%)
Paper 2: One data-based question and several short answer questions and two extended response. (2.25 hours, 35%)
Paper 3: Several short answer and extended-response questions in each of the two options studied. (1.25 hour, 25%)