This course is designed to combine the methodology, techniques and knowledge associated with group 4 (sciences) with those associated with group 3 (individuals and societies). As an interdisciplinary course, students can study ESS and have it count as either a group 3 or a group 4 subject, 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 aims of the ESS course are to enable students to:
Physics does involve calculation, but it is not considered a branch of Mathematics. Competence with algebra and an ability to think in a logical way will help see you through. It is very important to realise that standard level Physics is not in any sense easier than higher level. It contains fewer topics and is allocated fewer timetabled lessons, but the topics that it covers are tested to exactly the same level of difficulty as the higher physics paper.
As the DP Physics guide articulates, “Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles — currently accepted as quarks, which may be truly fundamental — to the vast distances between galaxies.”
The IB Diploma physics course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the ‘classical Physics’ concepts and ideas that permeate both traditional “Newtonian” mechanics and the more modern “Quantum Mechanical” view of the subject. The course aims to develop the understanding of physics relevant to modern science and technology. Conceptual skills and problem solving skills will be developed in parallel. The course aims to introduce the main ideas in an interesting and practical fashion. Emphasis is placed on the use of IT in data collection. Through hands-on experience, and the study of theories, models and laws, students gain a close insight into the world around them. From Newton to Einstein, from quarks to galaxies, Physics takes you on a voyage of discovery and understanding. As the DP Physics guide states, “The Diploma Programme physics course allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques and increase their abilities in the use of mathematics, which is the language of physics. It also allows students to develop interpersonal and digital communication skills which are essential in modern scientific endeavour and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right.”
]]>The Science of Chemistry is studied as a preparation for many different occupations. It is essential for those who wish to study Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Chemical Engineering, and is important as a link subject, studied often in combination with Physics or with Biology.
The primary goal of the Chemistry course is to provide a solid foundation in the basic concepts and facts of chemistry, particularly those needed by future scientists and engineers. It gives students an appreciation of the importance of chemistry to society in general and to daily life in particular. Because of the logical nature of chemistry, the course will also develop skills in analytical thinking and problem solving. When both the experimental and logical nature of chemistry are seen together in lecture and laboratory settings our students better appreciate how scientists work, how observations are used to formulate theories and how theories are used to suggest additional experiments. Our students who perform well are those who have developed logical skills combined with good recall, methodical working and the ability to apply principles learned to new situations.
Chemists know that the tools of logic and reason lead directly not to fact, but to theory, and that any good theory must still face such questions as, ‘Is the theory right or wrong?’ The appreciation of these distinctions, together with reasoning skills, has significance far beyond the chemistry classroom or laboratory. This links Chemistry to the Theory of Knowledge aspects of the IB Diploma.
]]>The content and level of the programme is set to provide a sound preparation for college or university. It is therefore suitable for students planning to study courses requiring a biological qualification e.g. Biochemistry, Dentistry, Medicine, Agriculture or Pharmacy.
Students wishing to study Higher-level Biology need a good background in Biology and Chemistry. If they plan to pursue the subject beyond IB Diploma, they are also advised to study IB Diploma Chemistry at least at Standard level. Fieldwork is an important part of the course and will be undertaken at various levels.
The underlying basic concepts in Biology are the relationship between structure and function, adaptations and interdependence, dynamic equilibrium and evolution. These themes run throughout the course at core, additional higher level and options. It is hoped that students will acquire a limited body of facts, and at the same time develop a broad, general understanding and appreciation of the underlying biological concepts
]]>Environmental Systems and Societies is a Standard-level curriculum only.
In addition, all students are required to spend 20% of the teaching time following a scheme of practical/investigative work. All students carry out an individual investigation, their IA, which counts towards their final grade. The Group 4 project is carried out jointly by students studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics in order to apply science skills collaboratively across the disciplines to investigate real life issues.
Students with a strong interest in Science can include two group four subjects in their IB Diploma programme meeting the group 6 elective requirement.
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