Science

The High School science sequence is designed to give every student an introduction to physics, chemistry, and biology in grades 9 and 10. The student can then make an informed choice on the science path for grades 11 and 12 that is most appropriate for that student’s interests and needs. Some typical options are shown in the following flow chart, but any combination of science classes in grades 11 and 12 may be appropriate, with approval from the science and counseling departments. ISB graduation requires successful completion of three years of science; however, most colleges and universities recommend four years of science.

Some Guidelines for Choosing High School Science Courses at ISB

• Students in grade 9 should take level I courses. These courses are designed for grade 9 students and are skills based. Exceptions are students who will be returning to the United States (or another country) where the school requires a full year of a single topic in science. In such a case, the student would take a level I course in the first semester and the corresponding level II course in the second semester. For the most part, level II courses are NOT suitable for grade nine students both socially and academically.
• Students in grade 9 and 10 are strongly recommended NOT to take more than one science class per semester. Exceptions are:
  • students who are planning to take two IB science courses in grade 11. For such cases, the student should double up in one semester in grade 10 (see example below)
  • students in grade 11 and 12 who are behind in their science requirements may be asked to take more than one course so that they may meet graduation requirements by the end of grade 12
  • students planning on taking an IB science, and are not sure which one, should take at least two level 2 courses in grade 10
• Students require Chemistry I, Biology I and Physics I to graduate and therefore students (especially new students) may be required to take these courses in grade 11 or 12 if their science background does not reflect mastery of this material.
• It is a requirement for HL and SL science courses that students take the appropriate level II science course (eg. Biology II is required for IB HL or SL Biology). Students taking Biology at the IB level (especially HL) are strongly recommended to take Chemistry II as well as Biology II.
• Students may not take IB level courses in grades 9 or 10.