BSW IB Group 4
Experimental Sciences
Biology
Biology is one of the group 4 sciences and is available at both
standard and higher level. Practical laboratory skills are developed
and collaborative learning is encouraged through an interdisciplinary
group project. Students develop an awareness of moral and ethical
issues and a sense of social responsibility is fostered by examining
local and global issues.
Topics
A variety of Biological topics are studied including: Cells, The
Chemistry of Life, Genetics, Ecology and Evolution and Human Health and
Physiology. They build on skills and knowledge developed whilst
studying science in High School. In addition to the above topics there
are supplementary course which extend the material covered at Standard
level to prepare the students for Higher level.
Assessment
There are 3 final exam papers which are marked externally. One of these
papers is multiple choice. They are all marked externally and account
for 76% of the final mark. The exams are completed in May of the second
year of the course.
The pupils will complete 40 to 60 hours of practical science activities
which they will log in a lab book. The work produced in these sessions
is assessed to internally and accounts for the remaining 24%.
Physics
The IB Physics course is designed to introduce students to the laws of
Physics, the required experimental skills, and the social and
historical aspects of the subject.
Pupils will have the opportunity to study Physics at either standard,
or higher, level. It will be offered in group four along with Biology.
Chemistry is offered in group six which gives pupils the possibility of
studying two sciences as part of their IB diploma. Core topics at both
levels include: measurement; mechanics; thermal physics and properties
of matter; atomic and nuclear physics; electricity and magnetism and
waves. The optional topics studied include optics; quantum and nuclear
physics and astrophysics. Higher level students study all these units
in more depth.
All International Baccalaureate experimental science courses seek to
develop students' experimental and investigative scientific skills. To
meet this aim, twenty-five percent of classroom time is devoted to
performing practical (laboratory) work that covers a range of topics
and skills, including a multi-disciplinary group science project.
The course is assessed by three external examinations and coursework
carried out during the two years, including the group science project.