The diagram below shows an overview of the more common pathways for taking Science courses. Course descriptions and specific examples of pathways are shown toward the bottom of this page.
Common Pathways in Science
There are many possible 4-year plans in Science. Seven sample 4-year plans are shown below. There are two course options in Grade 9, and in Grades 10, 11 and 12 there are many options. As you design your own 4-year plan we recommend that you start with the courses you are planning or would like to take in Grades 11 and 12 and then work backwards.
This student will take one Higher Level exam in Group IV (Experimental Sciences). This is a very common pathway for IB Diploma candidates.
This student will take one Standard Level exam in Group IV (Experimental Sciences).
This is another very common pathway for IB Diploma candidates.
This student has an interest in Science and plans to sit for an IB SL Science exam in Grade 11 and an IB HL Science exam in Grade 12.
This student will take one HL Science exam for their IB Diploma, but include a non-IB Science course in their schedule because they have an interest in the subject.
Science is not an area of future study for this IB Diploma candidate. The student will meet the IB Group IV requirement by taking the IB Physics SL exam in Grade 11.
This student is interested in Science, but probably won’t study it after high school. The student will not sit an IB Science exam, but they want a good Science background.
