Experimental Sciences Courses offered: Biology (HL), Biology (SL), Chemistry (HL), Chemistry (SL), Physics (HL), Physics (SL) Sports Exercise and Health Science (HL & SL) Environmental Systems and Societies (SL) Trans-disciplinary Subject
Biology, Chemistry and Physics at SL and HL: 1.
What is the nature of Science at IB level?
Overall We will not simply be taking notes and carrying out experiments. The content of the three courses is designed to be relevant to what is happening in today’s world, as can be seen from the list of topics below. We cannot escape factual content and students must expect to be required to learn facts and to keep well organized notes and data. However we prefer to emphasise inquiry and hands -on experience using a variety of approaches to teaching and learning which is at the core of the IB philosophy. Rather than being told about processes, theories, pieces of evidence and procedures students should expect to follow a route leading them to discover as much as possible for themselves. Students will be answering questions, asking questions, discussing issues and arguing points. Biology students will conduct a considerable amount of work in the field using local resources. Regular links will be made to Theory of Knowledge a n d t he N at ure o f Sc ie nce . Biology Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels using many different approaches and techniques. At one end of the scale is the cell, its molecular construction and complex metabolic reactions. At the other end of the scale biologists investigate the interactions that make whole ecosystems function. Many areas of research in biology are extremely challenging and many discoveries remain to be made. Biology is still a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. This progress is sorely needed at a time when the growing human population is placing ever greater pressure on food supplies and on the habitats of other species, and is threatening the very planet we occupy.
Chemistry Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental science, and serves as useful preparation for employment.
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