IB Group 4 subjects

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The Group 4: Sciences subjects of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme comprise the main scientific emphasis of this internationally recognized high school programme. They consist of seven courses, six of which are offered at both the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL): Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Design Technology, and, as of August 2024, Computer Science (previously a group 5 elective course) is offered as part of the Group 4 subjects.[1] There are also two SL only courses: a transdisciplinary course, Environmental Systems and Societies, that satisfies Diploma requirements for Groups 3 and 4,[2] and Sports, Exercise and Health Science (previously, for last examinations in 2013, a pilot subject[3]). Astronomy also exists as a school-based syllabus. Students taking two or more Group 4 subjects may combine any of the aforementioned.

The Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Design Technology was last updated for first teaching in September 2014, with syllabus updates (including a decrease in the number of options), a new internal assessment component similar to that of the Group 5 (mathematics) explorations, and "a new concept-based approach" dubbed "the nature of science". A new, standard level-only course will also be introduced to cater to candidates who do not wish to further their studies in the sciences, focusing on important concepts in Chemistry, Biology and Physics.[4][5]

  1. ^ "Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 4, Experimental Sciences". ibo.com. Archived from the original on 2009-07-21. Retrieved 3 Jul 2009.
  2. ^ "Diploma Programme curriculum". ibo.com. Archived from the original on 2009-07-21. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
  3. ^ Sports, Exercise, & Health subject guide 2007, p. 4.
  4. ^ "Group 4 Curriculum Review - AEM Annual Conference" (PDF). International Baccalaureate Organization. The Hague. 28 October 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  5. ^ Allott, Andrew. "The 2014 IB Science changes". Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2014.