Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Sports, Exercise and Health Science
Biology
Introduction
Biology is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigatory skills. The course is designed to increase the student’s understanding of theoretical and physical concepts in Biology through experimentation, discussion and application of ideas through worked problems.
The IB Biology Programme consists of a common core plus a project and an additional number of optional units. The IB Biology course covers many of the same areas as other courses such as the VCE. However, it differs in the depth of the subject matter that the student covers over the two years. The variety of optional units offered allows students to gain the required qualifications or particular needs for entry into higher education in the sciences.
Biologists have accumulated huge amounts of information about living organisms and it would be easy to confuse students by teaching large numbers of seemingly unrelated facts. In IB Biology, it is hoped that students will acquire a limited body of facts and, at the same time develop a broad, general understanding of the principles of the subject.
Standard Level
Standard Level provides a general education in Biology, covering 6 topics that are considered integral to the subject (95 hours). SL students will also study one option (15 hours). Practical work, including the Internal Assessment and Group 4 Project, is an integral part of the course (40 hours). The total teaching time for SL Biology is 150 hours.
Higher Level
Higher Level is a more rigorous programme. There are 5 additional topics that are either an extension of a Core topic or a distinct study of more complex biological concepts. Higher Level students will also study one option (25 hours of material). Practical work, including the Internal Assessment and Group 4 Project, is an integral part of the course (60 hours). The total teaching time for HL Biology is 240 hours.
Content
Core (HL & SL)
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Evolution & Biodiversity
- Human Physiology
Options (HL & SL)
- Neurobiology and behaviour
- Biotechnology and bioinformatics
- Ecology and conservation
- Human Physiology
HL Only
- Nucleic Acids
- Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis
- Plant biology
- Genetics & evolution
- Animal physiology
Standard Level Assessment
Examination 75%
Paper 1
(¾ hour, 20%)
- 30 multiple-choice questions on core material, about 15 of which are common with HL.
Paper 2
(1 ¼ hours, 40%)
- Data-based question.
- Short-answer and extended-response questions on core material.
- One out of two extended response questions to be attempted by candidates.
Paper 3
(1 hour, 20%)
- This paper will have questions on core and SL option material.
- Section A: candidates answer all questions, two to three short-answer questions based on experimental skills and techniques, analysis and evaluation, using unseen data linked to the core material.
- Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Internal Assessment 25%
In the practical work students will be encouraged to develop the ability to question the validity and reliability of data and appreciate the value of scientific method and reasoning.
Both levels undertake one scientific investigation taking about 10 hours with a report of 6-12 pages in length submitted for assessment using criteria common to both SL and HL students.
This report will be worth 20% of the final grade.
The practical course work occupies approximately 25% of class teaching time.
Higher Level Assessment
Examination 75%
Paper 1
- 40 multiple-choice questions on core and AHL material, about 15 of which are common with SL.
Paper 2
- Data-based question.
- Short-answer and extended-response questions on core and AHL material.
- Two out of three extended response questions to be attempted by candidates.
Paper 3
- Section A: candidates answer all questions, two to three short-answer questions based on experimental skills and techniques, analysis and evaluation, using unseen data linked to the core and AHL material.
- Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Internal Assessment 25%
In the practical work students will be encouraged to develop the ability to question the validity and reliability of data and appreciate the value of scientific method and reasoning. Both levels undertake one scientific investigation taking about 10 hours with a report of 6-12 pages in length submitted for assessment using criteria common to both SL and HL students. This report will be worth 20% of the final grade.
The practical course work occupies approximately 25% of class teaching time.
Chemistry
Introduction
Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. The course is designed to increase the student’s understanding of theoretical and physical concepts in Chemistry through experimentation, discussion and application of ideas through worked problems.
The IB Chemistry Programme consists of a common core plus a project and the choice of one optional unit. The IB Chemistry course covers many of the same areas as other courses such as the VCE. However, it differs in the depth of the subject matter that the student covers over the two years. The variety of optional units offered allows students to gain the required qualifications or particular needs for entry into higher education in the Sciences.
Standard Level
Standard Level provides a general education in Chemistry which, to some extent, can be related to everyday life. In addition to the common core subjects studied by SL students, they will also complete the core content of one option.
Higher Level
Higher Level is a more rigorous programme. The core subjects are studied in more depth and will mean more class hours than at Standard Level. In addition to the common core subjects Higher Level students will also study the core and higher level content of one option.
Content
Core (HL & SL)
Studied in greater depth for Higher Level candidates.
- Quantitative Chemistry
- Kinetics
- Atomic Structure
- Equilibrium
- Periodicity
- Acids and Bases
- Bonding
- Oxidation and Reduction
- Measurement and Data Processing
- Organic chemistry
- Energetics
Options (HL & SL)
- Materials
- Biochemistry
- Energy
- Medicinal chemistry
Physics
Introduction
Physics is an experimental science that combines academic study with the inclusion of practical and investigational skills. The variety of optional units offered allows students to gain the required qualifications or particular needs for entry into higher education in the sciences.
The course is designed to increase the student’s understanding of theoretical and practical concepts in Physics.
The IB Physics programme consists of a common core plus one optional unit. The IB Physics course covers many of the same areas as the VCE but also offers some expansion on that course. It may be considered more rigorous but also offers a wider range of activities.
Standard Level
Standard Level provides a general education in Physics which, to some extent, can be related to everyday life. In addition to the common core subjects studied by SL students, they will also complete one option.
Higher Level
Higher Level is a more rigorous programme. The core subjects are studied in more depth and will mean more class hours than at Standard Level. In addition to the common core subjects Higher Level students will also study the two options and in greater depth.
Content
Core (HL & SL)
- Measurement and uncertainties
- Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Waves
- Electricity and magnetism
- Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
- Energy production
Options (HL & SL)
The College will offer one of the following
- Option E: Astrophysics
HL Only
- Fields
- Wave phenomena
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Quantum Physics and nuclear physics
Standard Level Assessment
Examination 75%
Paper 1
(¾ hour, 20%)
- 30 multiple-choice questions on core, about 15 of which are common with HL.
Paper 2
(1/ ¼ hours, 40%)
- Short-answer and extended-response questions on core material.
Paper 3
(1 hour, 20%)
- This paper will have questions on core and SL option material.
- Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work.
- Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Internal Assessment 25%
In the practical work students will be encouraged to develop the ability to question the validity and reliability of data and appreciate the value of scientific method and reasoning.
Both levels undertake one scientific investigation taking about 10 hours with a report of 6-12 pages in length submitted for assessment using criteria common to both SL and HL students.
This report will be worth 20% of the final grade.
The practical course work occupies approximately 25% of class teaching time.
Higher Level Assessment
Examination 75%
Paper 1
(1 hour, 20%)
- 40 multiple-choice questions on core and AHL, about 15 of which are common with SL.
Paper 2
(2 ¼ hours, 36%)
- Short-answer and extended-response questions on the core and AHL material.
Paper 3
(1 ¼ hour, 24%)
- This paper will have questions on core, AHL and option material.
- Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work.
- Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Internal Assessment 25%
In the practical work students will be encouraged to develop the ability to question the validity and reliability of data and appreciate the value of scientific method and reasoning.
Both levels undertake one scientific investigation taking about 10 hours with a report of 6-12 pages in length submitted for assessment using criteria common to both SL and HL students.
This report will be worth 20% of the final grade.
The practical course work occupies approximately 25% of class teaching time.
Sports, Exercise and Health Science
Introduction
The attainment of excellence in sport is the result of innate ability or skill and the dedicated pursuit of a programme of physical and mental training accompanied by appropriate nutrition. Training programme design should not be left to chance. Rather, it should be designed thoughtfully and analytically after careful consideration of the physiological, biomechanical and psychological demands of the activity. This is the role of the sport and exercise scientist, who, regardless of the athletic event, should be equipped with the necessary knowledge to be able to perform this task competently.
Furthermore, in a world where many millions of people are physically inactive and afflicted by chronic disease and ill health, the sport and exercise scientist should be equally proficient when prescribing exercise for the promotion of health and wellness. Scientific inquiry conducted over many decades, has accumulated a vast amount of information across a range of sub-disciplines that contribute to our understanding of health and human performance in relation to sport and exercise. The Diploma Programme course in Sports, Exercise and Health Science involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles.
The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sport, 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 internationalism and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context.
Content
Core
- Anatomy
- Exercise physiology
- Energy systems
- Movement analysis
- Skill in sport
- Measurement and evaluation of human performance
Options
- Option A: Optimising physiological performance
- Option B: Psychology for sport
- Option C: Physical activity and health
- Option D: Nutrition for sport, exercise and health
Standard Level Assessment
Examination 80%
Paper 1
(¾ hour, 20%)
- 30 multiple-choice questions on core.
Paper 2
(1/ ¼ hours, 35%)
- In section A, there is a data-based question that requires students to analyse a given set of data. The remainder of section A is made up of short-answer questions.
- In section B, students are required to answer one question from a choice of three. These extended-response questions may involve writing a number of paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation.
Paper 3
(1 hour, 25%)
- This paper will have questions on core and SL option material.
- Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work.
- Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Internal Assessment 20%
Sports, Exercise and Health Science is a practical subject and the experimental work is an integral part of both the Sports, Exercise and Health Science course and the IB assessment. Students are given the opportunity to complete their own individual research as part of the Group 4 project involving all the IB science subjects or an Extended Essay.
In the practical work students will be encouraged to develop the ability to question the validity and reliability of data and appreciate the value of scientific method and reasoning. The criteria for practical assessment at both levels are inseparable from the aims of the theory work. Students will be assessed on attitude, planning experiments, observation, communication and interpretation.
Individual Investigation 20%
Internally assessed, externally moderated.
Higher Level Assessment
Examination 80%
Paper 1
(1 hour, 20%)
- 40 multiple-choice questions on core.
Paper 2
(2 hours 15 minutes, 35%)
- In section A, there is a data-based question that requires students to analyse a given set of data. The remainder of section A is made up of short-answer questions.
- In section B, students are required to answer one question from a choice of three. These extended-response questions may involve writing a number of paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation.
Paper 3
(1 hour 15 minutes, 25%)
- This paper will have questions on core and SL option material.
- Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work.
- Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Internal Assessment 20%
Sports, Exercise and Health Science is a practical subject and the experimental work is an integral part of both the Sports, Exercise and Health Science course and the IB assessment. Students are given the opportunity to complete their own individual research as part of the Group 4 project involving all the IB science subjects or an Extended Essay.
In the practical work students will be encouraged to develop the ability to question the validity and reliability of data and appreciate the value of scientific method and reasoning. The criteria for practical assessment at both levels are inseparable from the aims of the theory work. Students will be assessed on attitude, planning experiments, observation, communication and interpretation.
Individual Investigation 20%
Internally assessed, externally moderated.
