Group 4: Sciences

Biology

Subject Outline

Biology is only offered as a Higher Level subject at the ISE – and 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.

Assessment Overview

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 5 criteria of differing values – personal engagement/exploration/analysis/evaluation and communication). This will be undertaken in DP2. The GROUP 4 PROJECT (which all science students must undertake) mirrors the work of real scientists by encouraging collaboration across group 4 and between schools.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 20% (1hr) 40 multiple‐choice questions on the core theory.

Paper 2: 36% (2hr15min) Section A: one data‐based question and several short‐answer questions on the core theory (all compulsory). Section B: one extended response question on the core (from a choice of three)

Paper 3: 24% (1hr 15min) Some questions about skills developed during practical work and several short‐answer questions and an extended‐response question about the options studied.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

A 10 hour individual investigation and write‐up based on 5 criteria of differing values:

personal engagement (2 points)
exploration (6 points)
analysis (6 points)
evaluation (6 points)
communication (4 points)

Skills Gained on the Course

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.

Keys to Success

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)

DP Admission Criteria

Standard Level

Biology is only offered as a HL course at the ISE.

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.
The department will look at Biology grades, specifically for Biology recommendations.

Chemistry

Subject Outline

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): Stoichiometric relationships, Atomic Structure, Periodicity, Chemical bonding and structure, Energetics/thermochemistry, Chemical kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and bases, Redox processes, Organic chemistry, Measurement and data processing.

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

Assessment Overview

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 and SL. 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 INVESTIGATION (a 10 hour investigation (preferably practical) and write‐ up based on 5 criteria – personal engagement/ exploration/ analysis/ evaluation/ communication). This will be undertaken in DP2. The GROUP 4 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: 20% 40 multiple‐choice questions on the core & AHL

Paper 2: 36% Short answer and extended response questions on the core and AHL

Paper 3: 24% Section A: one data‐based questions and several short‐ answer questions on experimental work. Section B: short‐answer and extended‐response questions about the option studied.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 20%

A 10 hour individual investigation and write‐up based on five criteria of differing values – personal engagement (2 points), exploration (6 points), analysis (6 points), evaluation (6 points) and communication (4 points).

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 80%

Paper 1: 20% 30 multiple‐choice questions on the core

Paper 2: 40% Short answer and extended response questions on the core material

Paper 3: 20% Section A: one data‐based questions and several short‐ answer questions on experimental work. Section B: short‐answer and extended‐response questions about the option studied.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 20%

Skills Gained on the Course

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.

Keys to Success

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

DP Admission Criteria

Standard Level

A consistent, high 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences.
A minimum 17/32 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.
The department will look at Chemistry grades, specifically for Chemistry recommendations.

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.
The department will look at Chemistry grades, specifically for Chemistry recommendations.

Physics

Subject Outline

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: measurement and uncertainties include mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity, magnetism, atomic/nuclear and particle physics, energy production.

Additional higher level topic: wave phenomena, electromagnetic induction, quantum physics, fields.

Options: relativity, engineering physics, imaging, astrophysics

Assessment Overview

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 5 criteria of differing values – personal engagement/exploration/analysis/evaluation and communication). This will be undertaken in DP2. The GROUP 4 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: 20% 40 multiple‐choice questions on the core & AHL

Paper 2: 36% Several short‐answer questions on the core and the AHL and extended response questions on the core and AHL.

Paper 3: 24% Questions about the studied option and practical skills knowledge

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 20%

A 10 hour individual investigation and write-up based on 5 criteria of differing values: Personal engagement (2 points), Exploration (6 points), analysis (6 points), evaluation (6 points) and communication (4 points).

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 80%

Paper 1: 20% 30 multiple‐choice questions on the core

Paper 2: 40% Several short‐answer questions on the core and some extended response questions.

Paper 3: 20% Questions about the studied option and practical skills knowledge

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 20%

Skills Gained on the Course

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…

Keys to Success

Meet deadlines
Be proficient in the use of Excel
Actively seek knowledge and understanding independently
Read around the subject (books, articles, magazines)

DP Admission Criteria

Standard Level

A consistent, high 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for the Sciences.
A minimum 17/32 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.
The department will look at Physics grades, specifically for Physics recommendations.

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.
The department will look at Physics grades, specifically for Physics recommendations.

Design Technology

Subject Outline

Design Technology 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 a wide range of design concepts.

Core (HL/SL) topics studied: Human factors and ergonomics, Resource management and sustainable production, Modelling, Final Production, Innovation and design, Classic Design.

Additional higher level topics: User-centred design (UCD), Sustainability, Innovation and markets, Commercial production.

Practical work: Design project

Assessment Overview

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 DESIGN PROJECT (a 40/60 hour investigation and write-up based on several criteria following the design cycle – Analysis of a design opportunity, Conceptual design, Development of detailed design, Testing and evaluation, Detailed development of a commercial product (HL only), Making choices for commercial production (HL only)). This will be undertaken over the course of DP1 and DP2. The GROUP 4 PROJECT (which all science students must undertake) mirrors the work of real scientists by encouraging collaboration across group 4.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 60%

Paper 1: 20% 40 multiple‐choice questions on the core & AHL.

Paper 2: 20% Several short‐answer questions on the core and some extended response questions.

Paper 3: 20% Questions about the studied option and practical skills knowledge

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 40%

A 60 hour individual investigation and write-up based on 6 equal criteria: Analysis of a design opportunity, Conceptual design, Development of detailed design, Testing and evaluation, Detailed development of a commercial product, Making choices for commercial production

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 60%

Paper 1: 30% 30 multiple‐choice questions on the core.

Paper 2: 30% Several short‐answer questions on the core and some extended response questions.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 40%

A 40 hour individual investigation and write-up based on 4 equal criteria: Analysis of a design opportunity, Conceptual design, Development of detailed design, Testing and evaluation.

Skills Gained on the Course

The course allows students to develop practical skills and techniques and to increase facility in the use of design. 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, architecture, interior design, graphic design, product design, web design, game design, sustainable development and marketing.

Keys to Success

Develop conceptual modelling skills to communicate concepts
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
Read around the subject (books, articles, blogs, magazines)

DP Admission Criteria

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.

Environmental Systems & Societies (Group 3 or Group 4)

Subject Outline

ESS is an interdisciplinary group 3 and 4 course that is offered only at standard level (SL). 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.

Assessment Overview

HIGHER 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).

Skills Gained on the Course

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.

Keys to Success

Meet deadlines
Be proficient in the use of Excel
Actively seek knowledge and understanding independently
Read around the subject (books, articles, magazines)

DP Admission Criteria

Standard Level

A consistent 4 or more (out of 7) in terms of overall grade for Applied Earth Science or the Sciences.
A minimum 15/32 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.

Taking Three Sciences

The ISE can offer three sciences under the following IB regulation:

The candidate is to apply for a non-regular IB diploma, thus allowing three sciences to be completed, usually in lieu of a group 3 (Individuals and societies) subject. A candidate may be authorized to take a non-regular diploma only if the proposed higher education course allows no other alternative. The student must contact the IB coordinator at the school to proceed with this request. Please note that this request must be submitted to the IB organization (via the IB DP coordinator) at least 18 months prior to the examinations. (“Recognition of the IB Diploma”, International Baccalaureate, 2015))

ISE Requirements

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.