Science

Science — MYP 5

International Baccalaureate · Ages 15-16

MYP 5 completes the Middle Years science courses in biology, chemistry and physics, with content comparable to IGCSE and, where offered, an external eAssessment.

Biology covers genetics, homeostasis, ecology and human physiology; chemistry covers the mole, rates, energetics, organic chemistry and analysis; physics covers mechanics, electricity, waves, radioactivity and space.

This is the year students choose Diploma sciences and levels. The scientific investigation skills assessed here (variables, uncertainty, data processing and evaluation) map directly onto the Diploma internal assessment.

Key topics covered

• Genetics & HomeostasisDNA, inheritance, variation, control systems and human physiology.
• Ecology & Human ImpactEcosystems, energy flow, biodiversity and sustainability.
• Quantitative ChemistryThe mole, concentration, yield and reacting mass calculations.
• Rates, Energetics & OrganicReaction rates, enthalpy change, hydrocarbons and functional groups.
• Mechanics & ElectricityNewton's laws, momentum, energy, circuits and power.
• Waves, Radiation & SpaceWave behaviour, the EM spectrum, radioactivity, stars and the universe.
• Scientific InvestigationIndependent design, uncertainty, data processing and evaluation.