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IB Science Curriculum Overview 2026

27 January, 2026
IB Science Curriculum
International Baccalaureate (IB) Science helps students build their skills in investigation, reasoning, and critical thinking. These courses encourage students to think independently and gain a deep understanding of their subjects. IB Science also introduces students to a range of perspectives and supports open-mindedness.

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: 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 Science 
  • 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. 

Physics Space, Time and Motion; Particulate Nature of Matter; Wave Behaviour; Fields; Nuclear and Quantum Physics.
Biology Unity and Diversity; Form and Function; Interaction and Interdependence; Continuity and Change.
Chemistry Structure: Models of bonding, classification of matter. Reactivity: What drives chemical change.
Computer Science System Fundamentals, Networking, Computational Thinking, and HL-specific Abstract Data Structures.
Design Technology Design in Theory, Design in Practice, Design in Context
Environmental Systems and Societies Ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation, Climate Change, and (at HL) Environmental Law, Ethics, and Economics.
Sports, Exercise,  Health Sciences
 Exercise Physiology and Nutrition, Biomechanics, Sports Psychology and Motor Learning

The IB Science Curriculum (2025–2027 Cycle)

Starting in 2026, the IB Science framework for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics will use a concept-based curriculum. This update aims to make learning scientific principles more practical and less focused on memorisation.
Key Features of the Current Curriculum
One major change is that the old “options” system has been removed. In the past, students and teachers could pick an elective topic, but now this choice is no longer available.
  1. Paper 3 is no longer part of the assessment.
  2. Data-based questions and “Nature of Science” content, which used to be in Paper 3, are now included in Papers 1 and 2.
  3. The Internal Assessment now emphasises the process of scientific inquiry.
  4. Biology is organised around four main themes: Unity and Diversity, Form and Function, Interaction and Interdependence, and Continuity and Change.
  5. Chemistry is divided into two main parts: Structure and Reactivity.
  6. Physics centers on five main themes, including Space, Time and Motion, and Nuclear and Quantum Physics. Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)
ESS is now offered at Higher Level (HL) as well as Standard Level (SL). The course has also been expanded to cover new topics such as:
  1. Environmental Law and Ethics
  2. Econological Economics
  3. Human Populations and Urban Systems

Revised Exam Formats

Students should know that exams now focus more on “Big Picture” thinking. Paper 1 is split into 1A (Multiple Choice) and 1B (Data-based questions), so students are tested on their ability to analyze evidence right from the start.

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.