Group 4: Experimental Science

Students must choose at least one subject from the following to study at either Higher (HL) or Standard level (SL), they can also use their sixth option to study a second science.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

International Baccalaureate Biology

Biology is a highly regarded subject.  Students of biology often study it alongside chemistry, physics, or geography.  As one of the ‘traditional’ sciences, universities will know that you have a knowledge of scientific theory and practice, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing results.   

Students should have an enquiring mind and be interested in the world around them.  Biology is the study of living things so an interest in humans, animals and plants is helpful!  The course has a strong practical element.  A sound mathematical background at GCSE or similar is helpful, as basic statistics will be learned.

International Baccalaureate Chemistry

The course has a body of chemical knowledge together with scientific methods and techniques which students are required to learn and apply. In their application of scientific methods the students will learn to analyse, evaluate and apply chemical knowledge.

The course provides a firm foundation for further study of chemistry but also provides knowledge and skills which are valuable in other university courses such as biological sciences, biochemistry, medicine, vetinary science, geology and engineering.   The course is challenging but stimulating and rewarding.  Students will need the ability to think logically, to apply concepts to unfamiliar situations and to make links between scientific ideas. Chemistry is an experimental science so practical work represents a significant proportion of the course.

International Baccalaureate Physics

Physics is highly regarded as an excellent preparation for university courses in engineering, the medical sciences and mathematics, as well as being essential for further studies in physics and astrophysics.   Physics is a wide-ranging subject which covers many aspects of the physical world from the very small (atoms and nuclei) to the very large (stars, galaxies and the Universe).  It is a subject which will be of interest to any student with an enquiring mind.  The course includes an assessed experimental programme in which a many practical skills are developed.