A common curriculum model applies to all the Diploma Programme group 4 subjects: biology, chemistry, physics and design technology. (There are some differences in this model for design technology and these arise from the design project, which is a unique feature of this subject.) Students at both SL and HL study a core syllabus, and this is supplemented by the study of options. Students at HL also study additional higher level (AHL) material. Students at both SL and HL study two options. There are three kinds of options: those specific to SL students, those specific to HL students and those that can be taken by both SL and HL students.
Students at SL are required to spend 40 hours, and students at HL 60 hours, on practical/investigative work. This includes 10 hours for the group 4 project.
SL group 4 curriculum model
|
SL |
Total teaching hours |
150 |
|
Theory |
|
110 |
|
Core |
80 |
|
|
|
Options |
30 |
|
Practical work |
|
40 |
|
|
Investigations |
30 |
|
|
Group 4 project |
10 |
HL group 4 curriculum model
|
HL |
Total teaching hours |
240 |
|
Theory |
|
180 |
|
|
Core |
80 |
|
Additional higher level (AHL) |
55 |
|
|
|
Options |
45 |
|
Practical work |
|
60 |
|
|
Investigations |
50 |
|
|
Group 4 project |
10 |