Experimental Sciences
Discussion of Sports, Exercise & Health Science, Design Technology and advice on which science to take (if more than one science is asked about, ask here).
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There’s been multitudes of new threads discussing one science vs another. HL vs SL, this vs that, no one knows what science to do because one’s easier than the other, or one has more interesting concepts to you, yada yada. Hopefully this thread will help those who are choosing choose the science they want to do or even need to do and what level they should probably do it on. It’s a long read but if you have a general idea of what you want to do already you can always just skip to those parts I’ll also discuss some of the combos people like to do since I’ve taken all 3 sciences, Chem and Bio at HL too so this should hopefully be rather thorough. Before the descriptions…
Last reply by ashleigh7, -
- 9 replies
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I'm not sure about you, but I find doing the uncertainty calculations a giant waste of time. Soo, I quickly coded an application to automate it for you http://timtamshiz.co.cc/ http://ibsurvival.com/uncertainties/ It's pretty straight forward to use, but I'll eventually be modifying it to let you use whole formulas Anyway, enjoy, and if you have any requests for features either PM me or reply here . edit: Oh awesome, it got stuck, thanks to whoever did that. I'll let you guys know when I update it.
Last reply by chandrikagowda, -
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Here are the links to the notes and sample works for Group 4 subjects that we have on our Files archive. To be able to download files, you have to be a VIP member or a VIP subscriber. Please see the FAQ for information on how to become a VIP or how to buy a VIP subscription. If you want to donate and contribute files to our archive, please see this announcement or this FAQ section. Science Group 4 Project Biology Chemistry Physics
Last reply by Survival Robot, -
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- 352 views
Hello Everyone! As I'm currently in the selection process of IB subjects, I was really wondering if I should take Chem SL or ESS Sl. I am a person that wants to major in political science, therefore I pay a lot of attention to humanities. However, I've heard that while ESS is easy, it isn't really the most appealing subject. On the contrary, I've heard that Chem SL is the easiest science course and it's quite manageable to get it as a humanities students. What do you think I should take?
Last reply by anastasis06, -
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- 418 views
So I'm in DP1 and M23 and I'm having trouble choosing between HL Chemistry and HL Physics. I'm about 1 1/2 months into IB at this stage and I'm just so confused. I'm currently taking HL Chemistry, Maths AA and Economics with Global Politics, Spanish ab initio and English LangLit at SL. I'm looking to study economics at uni but I also have a small interest in Computer Science which I want to explore to see if it's for me. This would be my only science but it would be at HL. I've heard that Physics is better for what I want to do but I'm much better at Chemistry in general. I got a 9 for iGCSE Chemistry and I got an 8 for iGCSE Physics. Physics required lots of self-studyin…
Last reply by wanwan21, -
Hello, in the current IB program my school has, they do not offer physics, so I was forced to take biology (im in 11th grade). However, I will be moving next year and the school I will be going to has IB physics, so am I still able to take it? I really hate biology and it is not useful to me in my future. Thanks!
Last reply by faten, -
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- 407 views
Hi there : ) I'm currently working on my chem IA (much like most of you are right now), and I was wondering whether videos and explanations as such (like this one https://youtu.be/kO-9OajoPZs) are deemed acceptable for sources? The topic I am doing for my IA is outside of the IB course (it was in the old one - solubility product), so i had to learn a bit about going about it online and i cant exactly make it seem like what I'm saying in my IA is general knowledge - since we didn't learn it at school. So, if i was to add an explanation of sorts, and cite this source, would it be acceptable? Also, just overall - can i use text-books and online videos for sources? Thanks!
Last reply by alekssinel, -
- 0 replies
- 504 views
I'm going to take design tech standard level, but then if I do take it, I'll have no phys/bio/chem. Would colleges look down on this? Do you think I should change to physics sl? [for context, I plan to do management or human resources]
Last reply by imscared, -
- 5 replies
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Fellow IB students, I can't decide which subject to choose. I will start my IBDP studies this September, and I still haven't decided which science to choose. I am aiming to spend the least possible time with Sciences, I want to study Law and would take Math studies if it was still available. I am torn between ESS, Physics and Computer Science My profile looks like this: A: English Lit HL History HL Global Politics HL Science SL Math AA SL Ab initio SL I like Physics, find it interesting. But only at the standard level at Hungarian public school system. Which is pretty simple and requires little thinking. But if I mana…
Last reply by ChocolateAndVanilla, -
- 0 replies
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Hi, I should be pilot testing by now but I am still planning my IA now, and I was thinking to do about the effect of temperature on yeast respiration (C02 concentration). Since I live in Japan, I thought I could use 'Miso', which is fermented soybeans used mostly for soup. And I would like to prepare 5 temperature of water bath (10,20,30,40,50) and do 5 trials for each test to see the change in the rate of respiration using cO2 censor. However, the problem is that there are lots of factors that affect yeast respiration such as: 1. O2/Co2concentration in atmosphere 2. pH 3. Water Content 4. Mount of respirable material My IV is the…
Last reply by UEhon, -
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Hello! I am planning to major in economics or business in university, and am thinking of studying in the US or Canada. Should I take HL Physics with HL Math application and HL Visual Art to show my willingness to take the most challenging course out of what I can, or take HL Economics instead of HL Physics to relieve my stress with HL Physics and HL Math, and aim for higher grade overall? Thank you.
Last reply by BudyH, -
- 2 replies
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Hello, I’m a student currently in IB Diploma grade 11, and I’m writing this to come up with a good decision. I hope your advice might help. It has been around one month from the start of grade 11, and my subject for group 4 is Chemistry SL. However, I’m thinking of switching it to Physics SL. Physics students are now at the end of Chapter 1 (Measurement and Uncertainties), and they’ve already done some test. If I move class, I think I should take those test within one week(not sure tho, just guess). I don’t have a big problem with chemistry, but as you know, there is a lot of memorization compared to physics. So if I choose physics and understand it well,…
Last reply by DLibrary, -
- 1 reply
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Hello, I'm a Junior starting IB this year, and I'm currently taking HL Visual Art, HL Application and Interpretation and HL Physics. However, currently, I am struggling as to whether I should take Physics or Chemistry. I like different fields of chemistry and physics, and I initially chose physics because 1) it matches better with my other subjects, and 2) I like how physics is more logical, and how once you understand, the following steps is quite easy to do. However, three weeks in of IB and I feel like I'm not good enough to do physics HL, especially because everyone around me is so smart. I also heard that physics requires talent and I don't think I have any…
Last reply by djjfj, -
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Hi! I'm in Grade 11 and I'm having a little bit of a crisis about my HL subjects. I'm highly interested in both biomedical engineering and medicine as future career options, but I don't know which combination of science HLs I should take in order to increase my chance of success in these fields. Currently, I'm taking Biology and Chemistry in HL, but I'm wondering if I should switch my Biology to Physics HL while the missed workload from Physics is still manageable, even though the thought of dropping Biology pains me. I've been deeply passionate about science all my life and scored consistent 7s and 8s throughout the MYP (though I'm well aware DP is incomparably…
Last reply by fullsun, -
- 0 replies
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I have opted for computer science Sl..however, after a few months of studying the syllabus, I'm finding it extremely hard. Should I switch to Bio SL? How hard is that? And how scoring is it in comparison to computer science?
Last reply by ab911, -
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Hi! I’m looking to the future I only have to decide next Yr for my subjects... i have only considered three careers: education, business, vet science. Both education & business have no prerequisites/assumes knowledge apart from math & English. Vet science at my local uni wants math, chemistry, physics. Bio is recommended. I can’t do 3 sciences in the Ib tho so I would be happy w 2 and doing a bridging course. I quite enjoy chem but I’m not sure if I should do a 2nd science. I know I need it for vet science but I rather enjoy my subjects then do another bridging course later on. So far: Spanish SL Math SL Language & Literature S…
Last reply by AndresLopez, -
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Hi everyone!! I need some help with my Sports Science IA!! My teacher told me to write one over the summer and I am completely lost! Any ideas for topics would be helpful!! THANKS
Last reply by MackenzieWheeler, -
- 2 replies
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i had a bit of a crisis and want to switch from Physics HL to Biology HL halfway through my first year of IB. is this a good idea? will i be able to catch up? i'm certain i won't have done well in physics and biology makes a ton more sense to me...just the sheer amount i think i will need to catch up on is scary. sorry for this being my first post but i needed some opinions. my only other option is Music HL and i'd rather not go down that road unless absolutely necessary 😓
Last reply by dxsxnchxntxd, -
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Hi...I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I know I'm going to be studying sciences in university, but I'm not exactly sure what type of science I'm getting into. It's a bit stressful because I have my own preferences, while my parents' disagreement with these preferences make me scared to the bone. I know I want to take Chemistry at Higher Level, but my problem is between biology and physics (+ computer science, but I'd rather NOT get into that.) at HL. You see, I'm studying MYP right now and so far I really enjoy Biology and find it very interesting. As discussed with my careers counsellor, I could take my bachelor in Bio OR Chem and then take my Masters in Biochemistry,…
Last reply by kw0573, -
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Hello does anyone know where I can find a stress inducing test like a mental arithmetic test or a Montreal Imaging Stress Task that works and is free? Thanks
Last reply by 12345e, -
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Does anyone have an example of what an interim reflection for science could be?
Last reply by 12345e, -
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Hi! I am writing my EE in biology and I would really appreciate getting some advice from people who have done it in the past. What was hard for you in the process? How did you solve it? Is there anything that you think would have been helpfull to know earlier in the process? General advice and so on would be really helpfull for me both regarding the writing of the essay and the lab. Thank you
Last reply by 12345e, -
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Hello, I have lack of time to be able to conduct an experiment my own in a lab for my Biology IA. I have no idea about how to write a Database for the Internal Assessment in Biology and would truly appreciate it if someone could explain to me how to write it. The structure? What do I must include when writing a Database in this case? Examples? I
Last reply by Lion, -
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Hello, I have to conduct an experiment for my Biology IA and I was thinking it should be about Caffeine. I am a Caffeine intolerant and I would want to make some experiment of "how to reset caffeine tolerance" and to see if its possible. Perhaps I could measure my heart/ pulse rate for 3-4 days and see if there is any difference. Now I really need to now if this idea would work for the Biology IA and I would really appreciate if any of you could suggest how I should write the research question for this experiment in this case. Now first of all, can I do this if I have human consent form ( for myself or for other humans)? Or is there a problem with using this on h…
Last reply by Lion, -
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Hi, I'm a sophomore and I'm currently choosing my IB subjects (and it's stressful haha)! I won't be pursuing a career in math or science because I want to major in languages thanks to my international background (and it tends to be easier for me most times). I was originally planning on IB Chemistry SL, but some research has told me that IB Physics SL may be a better option (lower grade boundaries?); I would appreciate any advice that you can give me regarding which one is easier and what the characteristics of those subjects are. Our teachers seem to be okay in both subjects, so that's not a big factor. Here are my (almost) final subjects: English A Lit H…
Last reply by JKY, -
My physics IA uses topic field from my Chem EE. Is it allowed?
by Guest TheMagical7- 0 replies
- 1.6k views
Dear friends... Basically it turns out that my original physics ia topic has an immeasurable dependent variable (adding salt to water does not affect its refractive index significantly :'( I tested this out in a preliminary trial), and now I need to quickly find another physics ia topic... I won't explicitly state it because I worry about plagiarism, but basically my Chem EE is about 'x' phenomena, and I can explore this phenomena through a physics aspect by relating it to magnetism and movement. I remember hearing that the IBO does not allow us to "double-dip" EE and IA topics, but I was wondering if it is permitted if the EE and IAs are from different subject…
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My physics IA uses topic field from my Chem EE. Is it allowed?
by Guest TheMagical7- 1 reply
- 1.3k views
Dear friends... Basically it turns out that my original physics ia topic has an immeasurable dependent variable (adding salt to water does not affect its refractive index significantly :'( I tested this out in a preliminary trial), and now I need to quickly find another physics ia topic... I won't explicitly state it because I worry about plagiarism, but basically my Chem EE is about 'x' phenomena, and I can explore this phenomena through a physics aspect by relating it to magnetism and movement. I remember hearing that the IBO does not allow us to "double-dip" EE and IA topics, but I was wondering if it is permitted if the EE and IAs are from different subject…
Last reply by kw0573, -
- 6 replies
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Hi! I was just wondering whether the 12 page limit included the bibliography? My chemistry teacher said it didn't but then my biology teacher said it did. Also, are there restrictions on the spacing? Can it be 1.0 spacing? Because I heard from a friend that it should be 1.5-2.0 spacing. Also, any other restrictions such as font size and margin spacing? Thank you!
Last reply by Vsu, -
- 1 reply
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Hey everyone. So next year I’m going into the IB with- English A Literature, Chinese B, Economics, Chemistry, Maths HL and Physics. I really wanted to do Film HL but I thought it’s better to keep my options open and do two sciences instead as I would like to study engineering or medicine in uni. So im just wondering, would doing HL maths, physics and chemistry be way too much? I really love maths and I’m pretty decent at it. I’m also pretty good with managing workloads and im really interested in sciences but I still want to get a good final grade. Or would it be better to swap HL chemistry for HL Economics? Thanksss
Last reply by kw0573, -
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Hi, I was just wondering if there was a way to make a computer science a discussion thread under the experimental science section? It seems kind of wild to me that there hasn't been one made already because it's probably one of the least talked about topics (even though the IA requirements are some of the most general and overall unhelpful). Especially since most computer science teachers probably aren't the best at teaching things like IAs (at least in my experience). SO after that mini rant, does anyone have any tips for the design doc (Crit B) for the IA? (My IA is a word game (similar to scrabble) in the language Java) Thanks! (and yes I have already seen t…
Last reply by Nomenclature, -
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Hey guys, as I'm doing my data analysis, I'm confused about the number of statistical tests I can perform and not lose marks. So, I have these tests/values:min, max, mean, standard deviation, rate, change and % change. Is this too much? Can anyone give me any opinion/advice on this please?
Last reply by IBlearner73, -
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Hey guys, I've been looking around the internet and seemed to not find any threads or forums regarding the Computer Science may 2018 Case study where students can share note, so I just wanted to create this to help us share links and notes. If I am mistaken and a thread like this exists please link me to it, so I can be aware. Thanks!
Last reply by Ahmededed, -
- 0 replies
- 937 views
Hi everyone, can anybody tell me if there are any caffeine solutions of known caffeine content that I could use for my bio IA-thus, I would need to know how much does caffeine does some caffeine solution contain without carrying caffeine tests.
Last reply by IBlearner73, -
- 3 replies
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Hi guys, i'm really confused what what ib expects for a chemistry ia topic and would like to know whether a topic doesn't have to be measuring an effect of something, or can be also just determination of concentration of substance. Thanks for replies!
Last reply by Msj Chem, -
- 5 replies
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Hey guys! So Year 1 is right around the corner and I'm pretty excited but have recently ran into a problem. I've chosen physics SL for my Group 4 subject, but have recently considered switching to Biology SL since I've heard that it's less difficult. Is this true? Personally, I am quite decent at math and pretty good at memorising things. I have some background in biology (only the basics) and very little in physics. None of these are required for the University program I wish to attend (Econ/Business). I also dislike the sciences in general so I'd rather just choose the easier subject lollll. But I guess physics would be SOMEWHAT helpful since it's rela…
Last reply by Chirag, -
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HELP! I've just started Junior year, so IB has just kicked off and we have 2 weeks to change our courses if we wish. I have always been sure that I want to do 2 Sciences, first I picked Bio and Chem (both HL), then I changed my mind so I decided to do Bio and Phy (HL) because I've always loved physics. But now I am starting to change my mind again, because I've read that Bio and Phy aren't the best combination and I feel like with those classes my college majors all of a sudden gets way more limited. Help! Should I stay in Physics or change back to Chem??
Last reply by kw0573, -
- 2 replies
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Hello, I am finding it difficult to decide which science subjects to choose and would appreciate some help and guidance. First of all, I am not entirely sure what I want to study in the future (perhaps economics, although the sciences really interest me too). That being said, I am sure about studying in the US. I have done a summer course in IB biology (also math which I am fairly well at), also had a brief look at the content that appears in IB physics. I have no prior background in chemistry however. These are my subjects in general: Economics HL English HL Science HL Math SL Ab initio SL Science SL I want to pi…
Last reply by Lord of the Pickles, -
- 1 reply
- 1.6k views
Im taking ib next year and im thinking of applying for psychology or neuroscience. Which one will be more helpful?? Although i know that 2science hl is a must for neuroscience. However, i currently get better grades and social science subjects than experimental sciences. Which subject choices have a higher possibility of getting better marks in general? Economics. Psychology and Biology as HL or biology. chemistry and Geography as HL with math eng a langit and spanish b as SL Thank you
Last reply by cluelesskidd, -
- 2 replies
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Hi guys I don't know about physics but for bio and chem, section A is based on experimental work, right? but that sounds soo arbitrary and feel like anything could be on section A. So I want to know how you guys are studying for paper 3 section A for sciences..
Last reply by greentea06, -
- 1 reply
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Hi everyone. As we all know IB exams are next month. Just wanted to get everybody's opinion on the various Physics textbooks. I had the misfortune of being given the Oxford Textbook for Physics SL and it is by far the worst textbook I've used. It's just so unfocused and a lot of the time, it takes forever to reach the main point of whatever section you are reading. I found the Cambridge Tsokos textbook to be far more helpful as the information is straight to the point as well as concise. What do you guys think is the best textbook to help for review?
Last reply by SC2Player, -
- 0 replies
- 917 views
Does anyone know any good Nervous system labs?! Or does anyone where to find some?
Last reply by jackatttack60, -
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hey guys im new here but can someone give me some sample cs ia topics? I need to start working on them but I cannot figure it out thanks!
Last reply by social disappointment, -
- 4 replies
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Hi guys So I'm currently applying for DP course next year, and really indecisive whether to choose chemistry SL or computer science SL. In the future I planned to study computer science major. So is chemistry a prerequisite course for university computer science major? I know chemistry is a core subject but I just hate it so much, instead so passionate and willing to study computer science. So long story shorts, shall I go with computer science SL or chemistry SL for my next DP year? my current course choices: Math HL Econ HL Physics HL(our school dont offer comp sci HL) Chemistry SL/Computer science SL Mandarin SL English SL …
Last reply by abi123, -
- 5 replies
- 1.6k views
Hey Guys, im currently in grade 10 and currently selecting my courses for dp. In the future, I want to study majors like computer science, software, computer or electronic engineering(Possibly). So I am currently planning to take math physics and chemistry for my HL courses. However personally im just not into chem and doesn't really have much passion to study chem in depth. I just wonder if chemistry is HL really required for my desired uni majors? And is taking both physics and chem hl really hard and exhausting? Would switching the chem hl to economics hl put me into disadvantages when applying for those listed university majors? Much appreciated!!!!! ps: Im …
Last reply by Lord of the Pickles, -
- 4 replies
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Hi so im in grade 10 right now and I have to pick my courses for IB soon. I want to attend university somewhere in the UK (for medicine) and I was looking at the requirements and they require you to take HL bio and HL chem. (I'm taking grade 11 physics next semester) My school discourages taking 2 HL sciences because they said it would be too hard How hard is it? Is it manageable? Would it be possible to get a level 6 or 7 in the course? (I have a 90% in science right now) Do you regret taking it? Thanks!!!
Last reply by A.W., -
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I'm currently writing my biology IA and I have no idea why but the thing that's worrying me the most is that my topic is too simple. It's on the activity of lactase on lactose affected by temperature, and I'm scared that enzymes are over done or it's too simple and the analysis is too obvious. It also doesn't help that all of the biology IAs IB provides on their website are all really complicated- like I don't understand how people came up with those ideas on their own! If your an ib graduate and you wrote a biology IA, can you PLEASE tell me what your research question was and what grade you got for your IA if you know? I just really want to make sure I won't fail my IA …
Last reply by Dreamilyy, -
- 2 replies
- 1k views
Hi, I'd doing my second year(10th Grade) of IGCSE, and next year I will be taking the IB. I am strong in all of the 3 sciences that will be offered at our school, but I can't decide which two to take at HL. Right now I am definitely taking; HL: Maths, Literature, (two sciences) SL: Geography, Language B German For my 'final' decision, I put both physics and biology. This is not final, but I need to change it soon if I would want to. The reason I chose these two is because the physics teachers at our school will guaranteed good ones, however, that will not mean that they are any easier. Can anyone give any advice to choosing sciences th…
Last reply by IB`NOT`ez, -
- 0 replies
- 915 views
I'm starting my computer science SL dossier soon and not sure what I want to do..my school's computer science quality is super low so all we're taught is some java programming, we don't cover databases etc. I love compsci, and I do a lot of programming outside class. I can make animated games and programs. What should I do for my dossier? Someone give me some fun idea
Last reply by chrisss, -
- 1 reply
- 899 views
So I'm currently a sophomore in the pre-IB program, about to pick my courses for the next two years. For some reason (read: Because of low budgets), my school STRONGLY discourages taking two HL sciences. They tell us that the workload is too excessive and so it is not recommended, but it is still an option. The problem is, I've always been strongly inclined towards the sciences, and my future career aspirations involve both a strong base of both Biology and Chemistry. So my question is, should I follow my initial goal to take HL Bio and HL Chem or play it safe like everyone wants me to do? I really don't have a problem with the anticipated workload and I'm pretty goo…
Last reply by IB`NOT`ez, -
- 2 replies
- 956 views
Hi, So I'm a year 11 currently deciding his IB choices. I'm sure on all subjects besides economics and physics. I am thinking of doing a bachelor of science when I go to university, So my current HL is chemistry and Chinese, but I'm unsure on economics and physics. I like both just as much, I want to do science in university but also economics for a plan B. I can take both at HL because the chinese choice allows me to. So what you guys recommend?
Last reply by Jhon,
