IB Program

Typical subjects in the International Baccalaureate program

IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program lasts for 2 years for students aged 16 to 19. This is a program that is recognized and appreciated by many universities around the world when applying for admission. Below are some typical subjects in the IB program.

See also: IB program

1. IB Math

IB Math includes knowledge of algebra, functions and equations, calculus, trigonometry, vectors, statistical probability…, requiring students to have a solid foundation in high school mathematics, analytical skills as well as applying the knowledge learned in practice. IB Math is divided into 2 subjects with 2 levels each, including:

    • Analysis and Approaches (AA) – Standard Level (SL)
    • Analysis and Approaches (AA) – Higher Level (HL)
    • Applications and Interpretation (AI) – Standard Level (SL)
    • Applications and Interpretation (AI) – Higher Level (HL)

Basically, IB Math AA is designed towards a deeper theoretical and abstract understanding of Math concepts. Math AA focuses on topics such as advanced calculus and proof by induction, more suitable for students who want to learn deeper into Math.

However, if students are only interested in applying practical applications of Math in the world of finance and natural sciences, IB Math AI will be more appropriate. Math AI’s main topics include statistics, matrices, distributed math…

2. IB Physics

IB Physics focuses on the study of things and phenomena related to science. Some of the contents taught, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, atomic and nuclear…, require students to have analytical skills and apply knowledge learned to solve different types of problems. Therefore, IB Physics not only equips students with foundational knowledge for later academic and in-depth research, but also helps students apply in daily life activities.

3. IB Chemistry

Chemistry is one of the prerequisite subjects at university level for major groups in medicine, biomedical science, environmental science… Through IB Chemistry, students learn about composition, structure, properties and transformations of substances, periodicity, chemical bonding, chemical thermodynamics, organic chemistry, measurement practices and data processing. Because it is a subject in the group of natural sciences, IB Chemistry requires students to have solid knowledge, the ability to analyze and apply what they have learned to various types of exercises.

See also: Chemistry exercises in English

4. IB Biology

IB Biology’s knowledge covers the following topics: cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, and human physiology. In addition, students taking HL will have to learn more about topics such as nucleic acids, metabolism, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, plant and animal physiology.

It can be seen that, compared to other subjects in the group of natural sciences, Biology has a large and wide range of knowledge that students need to absorb and remember, and the exercises are not oriented towards solving by calculation. Therefore, in order to get a high score in the test, students should practice solving IB Biology past papers so that they can apply the knowledge they have just learned and become familiar with the structure and test types before taking the exam.

5. IB Economics

IB Economics acquaints students with microeconomics and macroeconomics types, economic terms, business analysis, and data analysis. Subjects at SL and HL will have different difficulty levels and the number of hours for each section will also vary:

    • Section 1: Introduction to Economics
    • Section 2: Microeconomics
    • Section 3: Macroeconomics
    • Section 4: The Global Economy

In addition, HL covers the following topics:

    • Section 1: Demand and Supply, Government Intervention, Market Failure, Theory of the Firm and Market Structure
    • Section 2: Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply, Macroeconomics Objectives
    • Section 3: International Trade, Exchange Rates, The Balance of Payments, Economics Integration, Term of Trade
    • Section 4: The Role of International Trade

See also: IB course

Intertu Education is currently enrolling International Baccalaureate program courses (IB Math, IB Physics, IB Chemistry, IB Biology, IB Economics, IB Business Management, IB English…). If you have any questions about IB exam preparation, please contact us directly, via email or hotline for free advice.