📋 IB Science Practical Requirements: How Much Is Enough?
In IB Group 4 sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, ESS, SEHS), students must complete:
- 40 hours of practical work at Standard Level (SL)
- 60 hours at Higher Level (HL)
👉 See full breakdown in What Are the Specific Requirements for a Science IA?
🧪 IA vs. General Practical Time
Of those hours, around 10 hours are reserved for your internal assessment (IA). The remaining time is for lab experiments, fieldwork, and simulations.
👉 Learn more in the Complete Guide to IB Biology
🕒 How the Time Is Divided
Subject Level Total Practical Hours IA Work (~) Class Labs, Simulations Standard Level (SL) 40 10 hours 30 hours Higher Level (HL) 60 10 hours 50 hours ESS (SL/HL) 30 included 30 hours
👉 Plan smart using How Much Time Should I Spend on My IA?
✅ Track Your Progress
Keep a lab log or PSOW (Practical Scheme of Work) updated with your experiments. Some schools also log the Group 4 Project (~10 hours) within the required time.
👉 For Group 4 overview, check Group 4 Project Requirements
❓FAQs
Q1: Are these hours mandatory or suggested?
A: They are strongly recommended by IB. Schools are expected to ensure students complete the required hours.
Q2: What if I don’t hit the hour mark?
A: While there's flexibility, consistently missing hours may affect your readiness for the IA or external moderation.
Q3: Can I complete labs outside school?
A: Yes, if approved. See Can I Do the IB Science Lab Outside of School?
📘 Final Tips & Tools
IB practical hours are about building hands-on scientific literacy. They also support the skills you’ll need to write a successful IA.
🎯 Ready to plan your lab work better?
Check out:
