Course Details

Chemistry (HL and SL)

Chemistry is a subject which enables us to understand the underlying principles of some of the most important natural and man-made phenomenon which control the very existence of the living species of this world.

It is considered to be a ‘central science’ as it is a pre-requisite to some important fields like medicine, biology, geology, nuclear and environmental sciences. In the first year, you study and carry out experiments related to subject-specific core topics namely: stoichiometery, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetic, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction and organic chemistry. 25 percent of the time will be allocated to practical work and the remaining 75 percent to theory classes.

It is expected that, upon completion of the course, students will be able to apply, use and demonstrate, the underlying scientific concepts, facts, terminology and techniques besides the manipulative skills necessary to carry out scientific investigation with precision and safety.

Biology (HL and SL)

Biology is the study of living organisms. This study is undertaken at a variety of levels from the molecular to the biosphere. By the end of the course you will have developed an appreciation of the interaction between these levels and of organisms as functioning entities within the biosphere.

25% of the course will involve experimental work and fieldwork. The successful student will develop a biological knowledge through questions, observation, hypothesis formulation and testing under controlled conditions.

Through the study of biology, it is hoped that you will be able to appreciate the following general principles:

1. That the living world portrays of a fundamental unity with regard to its cellular structure and chemical composition.
2. That the living world represents a great diversity of species and individuals, but that all forms of life share some universal features.
3. That the unity of the entire world at the level of the biosphere or within an organism is assured and dependent on dynamic equilibrium balance.

Topics to be covered in the course:

• Cell Biology Genetics
• Biochemistry Ecology
• Plant Science Human health and physiology
• Cell respiration and photosynthesis
• Classification and diversity (HL only)

At Higher Level the topics will be covered in greater depth.

Biology at Higher Level will provide an excellent background and a good preparation for university courses requiring a biology background e.g. biology, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture etc. You should choose Higher Level if you intend to study biology or any related field at university or if you are keenly interested in biology but have no intention to study it further. No prior knowledge of biology is required but at Higher Level you should have a great interest in science and be prepared to do independent reading.

Physics (HL only)

Physics aims to provide students with a conceptual understanding of the fundamental laws of nature and the ability to apply this knowledge to practical situations. The course is designed as a university entrance qualification for would-be scientists, engineers and medical practitioners with a non-calculus oriented core syllabus and additional calculus-related optional topics. Mechanics, properties of matter, molecular and wave behaviour, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics make the core topics that will be studied in the first one and a half years. The remaining time will be devoted to the optional section that include astrophysics, optics, biomedical physics, historical physics, special and general relativity, of which two are chosen for study in greater depth.

Environmental Systems: (SL only)

This is the only science course designed by the IB specifically for `non-scientists’, students who are interested in environmental problems, their causes and their solutions. A “system approach” to environmental system is undertaken. While there are some laboratory practicals, fieldwork is more common. The College’s location in the Sayadhri Mountains makes it an ideal place for the study of terrestrial ecology.