GROUP FOUR
Physics | Biology | Chemistry | Design Technology
Group 4: PHYSICS Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
This course is designed for students interested in the study of Physics on both a practical and theoretical level. Students develop competence in the collection and analysis of data derived from investigations and laboratory work and also the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific information.
COURSE CONTENT
In the course students learn to construct abstract models such as analogies and mathematical systems to explain phenomena, then link these abstract concepts to reality through controlled experiments. Sometimes the experiments lead to constructing models. The Standard Level course is a subset of the Higher Level programme.
The course covers the following topics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics and Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
In addition, students are required to do TWO options. Higher level candidates can choose from: Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, Historical Physics, Special and General relativity, and Optics. Whilst in Standard Level students have a choice of advanced mechanics, advanced Atomic Physics and Nuclear Physics in addition to these.
ASSESSMENT:
Internal:
School-based assessment (practicals and group projects) 24%
External:
Written examination 76%
REQUIREMENTS:
Entry to Higher Level is for students who have a genuine interest in the subject and who have a strong background in the subject. Students should also have a strong Mathematical background. Standard level builds on the ideas met at MYP/GCSE level and also requires a competency in Mathematics.
Group 4: CHEMISTRY Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
The aims of the course are to develop the ability to familiarise students with the principles of chemistry and develop analytical and problem solving skills. The course offers a broad and strong foundation on which to study science or medicine-related degrees at university or college.
COURSE CONTENT:
Chemistry is a branch of science in which we study the materials that comprise our environment. We do this by investigating their properties, their composition and the way they react. The course contains the following topics:
Stoichiometry
Atomic Theory
Periodicity
Bonding
States of Matter
Energetics
Kinetics
Equilibrium
Acids and Bases
Oxidation and Reduction
Organic Chemistry
In addition, students choose two topics from the following options:
Medicines and Drugs
Human Biochemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Chemical Industries
Fuels and Energy
Modern Analytical Chemistry
Further Organic Chemistry
ASSESSMENT:
Internal:
School-based assessment (practicals and group projects) 24%
External:
Written examination 76%
REQUIREMENTS:
Entry to Higher Level is for students who have a strong background in the subject. Students will often be expected to solve problems requiring a good level of Mathematics. To take the Standard Level course requires some background knowledge along with a genuine interest.
Group 4: BIOLOGY Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
Biology is based on the experimental study of living organisms. It forms an introduction to many disciplines of further study, including medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, nursing, and pharmacy. There is an emphasis on Biochemistry and the more abstract aspects of the subject. It is therefore suitable to the science specialist, who might go on to further Biological studies at university. The Standard Level course is designed to meet the needs of a more varied group of students, typically a non-science specialist who does not necessarily need preparation for Higher Level university science courses.
COURSE CONTENT:
For Higher Level the course is divided into seven broad areas:
Cells, structure & membranes
Chemistry of life
Plant science
Human health, physiology, & reproduction
Genetics
Ecology
Environmental issues and biodiversity
Candidates will choose to complete 2 options from the following: neurobiology and behaviour, applied plant and animal science, evolution, ecology and conservation, further human physiology.
For Standard Level the compulsory core section covers:
Cell structure and function
Chemistry of life
Theoretical and applied genetics
Ecology
Human health and physiology
Classes will also choose to do 2 options from the following topics: diet and human nutrition, physiology of exercise, cells and energy, neurobiology and behaviour, applied plant and animal science, evolution, and ecology and conservation.
ASSESSMENT:
Internal:
School-based assessment (practicals and group projects) 24%
External:
Written examination 76%
REQUIREMENTS:
Entry to Higher Level is for students who have a genuine interest in the subject and who have a strong background in the subject. To take the Standard Level course requires some background
knowledge along with a genuine interest. Field Trips are a compulsory part of the course for both Higher and Standard Level and at least one will be residential.
Group 4: DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
This course is designed for students interested in the study of design and technology in a global society on both a practical and theoretical level. Students develop competence in investigation and analysis of various design concepts and apply their knowledge and skills through problem solving practical projects. This course is recommended to students with an interest in architecture, interior and environmental design; industrial or product design; graphics and engineering.
COURSE CONTENT
In the course students learn about the role of the designer in society, the nature of materials and the environment from which resources are attained. Students explore the concepts of invention, innovation and the use and application of appropriate technology. The theory of the topics are studied concurrently with and in relation to practical based projects which helps students understand the links between abstract concepts in a real world context.
The course covers the following core topics:
- Topic 1: Design Process
- Topic 2: Product Innovation
- Topic 3: Green Design
- Topic 4: Materials
- Topic 5: Product development
- Topic 6: Product design
- Topic 7: Evaluation
Additional higher level core topics include:
- Topic 8: Energy
- Topic 9: Structures
- Topic 10: Mechanical design
- Topic 11: Advanced manufacturing techniques
- Topic 12: Sustainable development
In addition, students also study 2 option topics.
- Option C: CAD/CAM
- Option E: Human Factors
Throughout the first year, students are assessed through a series of short practical projects, investigations and reports.
The Standard Level course is a subset of the Higher Level programme.
ASSESSMENT:
Internal:
School-based assessment (practical and theory projects) 36%
External:
Written examination 64%
Three Papers
REQUIREMENTS:
Entry to Higher Level is for students with a genuine interest and a strong background in the subject. Standard level builds on the concepts and ideas studied at MYP/GCSE level whilst Higher level explores core topics in greater depth. Students should have a strong Science background as Design Technology is situated in Group 4 with the other experimental Sciences; however a creative and inquiring mind is of equal importance.
