IB Science Curriculum Overview 2025
International Baccalaureate (IB) Science has been developed to stoke the spirit of investigation, reasoning, and critical thinking in students. The courses enable students to think for themselves and develop an in-depth understanding of their subjects. IB Science also exposes students to different viewpoints and encourages them to accept differing opinions.
Significance of IB Science in Contemporary Learning
The purpose of IB Science is to encourage a scientific mindset in students from a very young age. It is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary learning across scientific fields. Students not only gain a deep understanding of the sciences but also develop tolerance towards different viewpoints.
IB wants young minds to appreciate science and its applications; know the role of science in society along with its benefits and limitations; inculcate an analytical thinking style that can solve problems, ask the right questions and judge arguments; mould student minds with a scientific temper; use language and knowledge in real-life situations; develop empathy towards the living; and make informed choices. In this IB Science guide, we will learn about the different curriculas for science according to the IB programmes.
Also Read: Exploring IB English: A Comprehensive Guide
IB Science Syllabus for PYP
The IB Primary Years Programme or PYP is for students between 3 and 12 years of age. The Middle Years Programme or MYP is for students between 11 and 16 years of age. The Diploma Programme or DP is aimed at students between 16 and 19 years of age.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for children between the ages of 3 and 12. It aims to inculcate an early foundation for lifelong learning in young minds.
The PYP offers a transdisciplinary curriculum to build conceptual understanding for young kids, preparing them for future opportunities and challenges. The core aim is to make children a big part of their learning process and give them agency.
The program pays special attention to science and its many applications as part of its curriculum.
Here’s IB Science PYP Curriculum overview:
| Life Sciences | Living Things, Human Body Systems, Biodiversity |
| Earth and Space Sciences | Earth’s Systems, Geological Processes, Weather Patterns, Natural Disasters, Environmental Issues |
| Physical Sciences | Matter, Material, Properties of Materials |
| Forces and Energy | Origin, Storage and Transfer of Energy; Forces; Application of Scientific Understanding |
IB Science Syllabus for MYP
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) science module is designed to foster inquisitiveness and develop conceptual understanding of the sciences. It encourages intellectual challenge and the formation of connections between traditional subjects and the real world.
The IB Science MYP syllabus includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, but individual schools can offer a tailored science course that meets the requirements and objectives of the subject group.
Additional subjects include: Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, and Earth Sciences.
| Biology | Cells, Metabolism, Interactions Between Organisms, Biological Cycles |
| Chemistry | Atoms, Electron Configurations, Chemical Bonding, Periodic Table, Chemical Reactions |
| Physics | Forces, Motion, Energy Transfer, Electromagnetism, Electric Circuits, Properties of Matter |
These subjects can be studied at Standard Level (SL) or higher level (HL). Students can select one or more sciences, depending on their interests. HL, being more in-depth, requires 240 hours of teaching. SL subjects require 150 hours of teaching.
Also Read: IB Biology Tutoring 2025: Expert Help for SL & HL Success
IB Science Syllabus for IBDP
The IB Diploma Programme or IBDP is a 2-year educational programme for 16-19-year-olds. Currently available in 140 countries, the IBDP aims to develop students’ critical thinking skills. IBDP’s IB Science course is centered on six subjects and students have to pick at least one subject from the group:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Sports, Exercise, and Health ScienceÂ
- Environmental Systems and Societies (additional interdisciplinary subject)
The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum has six subject groups and a DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creative, activity, service and essay. Students should take up a compulsory project on the environmental, social, and ethical repercussions of science.Â
| Physics | Space, Time & Motion; Particulate Nature of Matter; Wave behaviour; Fields; Nuclear & Quantum Physics |
| Biology | Molecules; Cells; Organisms; Ecosystems |
| Chemistry | The Particulate Nature of Matter; Models of Bonding and Structure;Â Classification of Matter;Â Chemical Reactions; Chemical Change |
| Computer Science | System fundamentals; Computer organisation; Networks; Computational thinking; Problem-solving and programming; Abstract data structures (HL); Resource management (HL); Control (HL) |
| Design Technology | Design in Theory, Design in Practice, Design in Context |
| Environmental Systems and Societies | Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Water, Land, Atmosphere and Climate Change, Natural Resources, Human Populations and Urban Systems, Perspectives, Systems, Sustainability, Environmental law (HL), Environmental and Ecological Economics (HL), Environmental Ethics (HL) |
| Sports, Exercise, Health Sciences |
Exercise Physiology and Nutrition of the Human Body, Biomechanics, Sports Psychology and Motor Learning, Experimental Programme, Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Energy Systems, Movement Analysis, Skill in Sports, Measurement and Evaluation of Human Performance, Further Anatomy, The Endocrine System, Fatigue, Friction and Drag, Skill Acquisition and Analysis, Genetics and Athletic Performance, Exercise and Immunity, Optimising Physiological Performance, Psychology of Sports, Physical Activity and Health, Nutrition for Sports, Exercise and Health |
IB Science Curriculum Change in 2025
IB has also revised its Science Curriculum in 2025 for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and other subjects.
It has now adopted a concept-based approach with revised exam formats. The revision aims to promote scientific enquiry among the students and foster a more interdisciplinary approach.
As part of the revision, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics have new guides that promote connected learning between the subjects. The idea is to encourage a more “networked” understanding among the sciences.
IB has removed Paper 3 options in Biology and integrated its content across the curriculum. Â It has also added new subjects like Relativity, Astrophysics, and Engineering and removed Quarks, Cosmology, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prepare for IB Science?
To study for IB Biology, the best approach is to focus on retaining information through flash cards and revisions, and multiple learning modes such as notes, videos, diagrams and infographics. Create a study plan well in advance, prioritising key areas and core concepts. Prepare concise notes and create flowcharts to simplify complex ideas.
Should I prepare with IB Science past papers?
Your strategy to study and excel in IB science papers should include practising with previous years’ papers.
What is the hardest science in IB Science?
What you find hard in IB Science is largely subjective. If you are someone who hates abstract mathematical concepts, you may not like IB Physics HL; however, if you hate having to memorise a lot of things, IB Biology might be tough for you. It all depends on your individual intellectual strengths.
