Science

Grades 9 & 10

Students take Science in both grade 9 and 10. Students must receive a year-end grade of 3 or higher to receive a credit which counts towards the MIS diploma. A grade of 5 or higher is a prerequisite for grade 11 Higher Level Chemistry, Physics or Biology.

Students who have opted for the IGCSE will take the IGCSE Coordinated Sciences (Double Award) examination.

Coordinated Sciences (Double Subject)

This is a two year course which meets the requirements of the IBMYP. It is designed to give students a broad preparation for scientific study at the upper grades and will enable them to meet the prerequisites for any of the IBDP HL science subjects offered. Students study Chemistry, Physics and Biology. There is a balance between tests, experimental work and projects dealing with the relationship between science and society. Students will be required to integrate knowledge from Maths, Social Studies and Science through experimental work and projects. The course is taught by two teachers. 

Grades 11 & 12

  • IB Biology (Higher Level)
  • IB Biology (Standard Level)
  • IB Chemistry (Higher Level)
  • IB Chemistry (Standard Level)
  • IB Physics (Higher Level)
  • IB Physics (Standard Level)
  • IB Sports Exercise and Health Science (Standard Level Only)

IB Biology (Higher Level)

This is an advanced course which is suitable for students pursuing higher education in biology or health / life sciences.

Topics studied include: Cells, The Chemistry of Life, Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Human Health and Physiology, Nucleic Acids and Proteins, Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis, Genetics Extension, Human Reproduction, Defence against Infectious Disease, Nerves, Muscles and Movement, Excretion and Plant Science. In addition two of the following options will be taught: Evolution, Neurobiology and Behaviour, Micro-organisms and Biotechnology, Ecology and Conservation, Further Human Physiology.

Experimental work is a significant part of the course, making up 24% of the final grade. Labs are conducted every two weeks at the teacher’s discretion.

Prerequisite: a grade 5 in Coordinated Sciences in grade 10.

IB Biology (Standard Level)

This course is designed for students with an interest in Biology

Topics studied include Cells, The Chemistry of Life, Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Human Health and Physiology. In addition two of the following options will be taught: Human Nutrition and Health, Physiology of Exercise, Cells and Energy, Evolution, Neurobiology and Behaviour, Micro-organisms and Biotechnology, Ecology and Conservation

Experimental work is a significant part of the course, making up 24% of the final grade. Labs are conducted every two weeks at the teacher’s discretion.

IB Chemistry (Higher Level)

This course is suitable for students going on to study life / health sciences, physical sciences or engineering at university.

Topics studied include: Quantitative Chemistry, Atomic Theory, Periodicity, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids & Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, Organic Chemistry and Measurement and Data Processing. In addition two of the following options will be taught: Analytical Chemistry, Human Biochemistry, Chemistry in Industry and Technology, Medicines and Drugs, Environmental Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Further Organic Chemistry.

Experimental work is a significant part of the course, making up 24% of the final grade. Labs are conducted every two weeks at the teacher’s discretion.

Prerequisite: a grade 5 in Coordinated Sciences in grade 10.

IB Chemistry (Standard Level)

This course is designed for students with an interest in Chemistry or as a supplement to students taking HL Physics or Biology.

Topics studied include: Quantitative Chemistry, Atomic Theory, Periodicity, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids & Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, Organic Chemistry and Measurement and Data Processing. In addition two of the following options will be taught: Analytical Chemistry, Human Biochemistry, Chemistry in Industry and Technology, Medicines and Drugs, Environmental Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Further Organic Chemistry.

Experimental work is a significant part of the course, making up 24% of the final grade. Labs are conducted every two weeks at the teacher’s discretion.

IB Physics (Higher Level)

This is an advanced course for students who are interested in pursuing physical sciences and is a pre-requisite for students wishing to study physics or engineering at university. Strong mathematical ability is recommended.

Topics studied include: Physics and Physical Measurement, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Oscillations and Waves, Electric Currents, Fields and Forces, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Energy, Power and Climate Change, Motion in Fields, Wave Phenomena, Electromagnetic Induction, Quantum and Nuclear Physics and Digital Technology. In addition two of the following options will be taught: Astrophysics, Communications, Electromagnetic Waves, Relativity, Medical Physics, and Particle Physics

Experimental work is a significant part of the course, making up 24% of the final grade. Labs are conducted every two weeks at the teacher’s discretion.

Prerequisite: a grade 5 in Coordinated Sciences in grade 10.

IB Physics (Standard Level)

This course is designed for students with an interest in Physics.

Topics studied include: Physics and Physical Measurement, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Oscillations and Waves, Electric Currents, Fields and Forces, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Energy, Power and Climate Change. In addition two of the following options will be taught: Sight and Wave Phenomena, Quantum and Nuclear Physics, Digital Technology, Relativity and Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Communications, Electromagnetic Waves.

Experimental work is a significant part of the course, making up 24% of the final grade. Labs are conducted every two weeks at the teacher’s discretion.

IB Sports Exercise and Health Science (Standard Level Only)

This course is intended for those who wish to continue on in exercise and health science.  Some areas include, but not limited to; chiropractic, physiotherapy, sport management, health promotion, performance analyst, cardiac or respiratory physiologist.

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 inpidual and in a global context. 

Topics studied are anatomy, exercise physiology, energy systems, movement analysis, skill in sport, measurement and evaluation of human performance.  Options may include optimizing physiological performance, psychology of sport, physical activity and nutrition for sport, exercise and health.

Experimental work is a significant part of the course, making up 24% of the final grade.  Labs are conducted every two weeks at the teachers discretion.

 -The IBO guide

 

Contact

Cameron Lumsden
Head of Department