What Counts as a Group 4 Science?
Group 4 comprises all experimental sciences that fulfill a core part of the IB Diploma: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), Design Technology, Computer Science, and in many schools, Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) (revisiondojo.com, Wikipedia).
Every student must take at least one Group 4 subject to meet diploma requirements (International Baccalaureate®).
Exam and Assessment Breakdown for Group 4 Subjects
Group 4 subjects typically comprise:
- Paper 1 (multiple choice) — ~20% of subject grade
- Paper 2 (structured/short-answer format) — ~32–36%
- Paper 3 (options-based free‑response) — ~20–24%
- Internal Assessment (IA) — ~24%, based on lab work or investigations
(Wikipedia, revisiondojo.com)
Your six subject scores (each 1–7) make up to 42 points, while IA contributes significantly to each subject score.
What Was the Group 4 Project?
Historically, students had to complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 Project with peers from different science subjects. This collaborative investigation fostered practical and interdisciplinary skills.
👉 Learn why the Group 4 Project was important and what skipping it meant for a student's diploma (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com).
Since a 2015 syllabus update, the formal Group 4 Project is no longer mandatory, though some schools may still run similar activities for skill-building (Wikipedia).
How Group 4 Subjects Impact Your Diploma Score
- Scoring well in Group 4 subjects boosts your overall points—especially important for science-related university paths.
- High Internal Assessment marks demonstrate practical competency in scientific methods.
- Strong performance in both Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) Group 4 subjects adds to your subject point totals, impacting the 24-point minimum required for diploma eligibility (revisiondojo.com).
To pass, you also need:
- At least 12 points in HL subjects
- At least 9 points in SL subjects
- Completion of TOK, EE, and CAS core components
(revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
Why Group 4 Skills Matter Beyond Exam Scores
Group 4 study supports:
- Scientific thinking: hypothesis formulation, data collection, evaluation
- Interdisciplinary awareness: blending concepts across chemistry, biology, and physics
- University prep: especially valuable for STEM and environmental science pathways (revisiondojo.com)
The skills you build during IA and collaborative tasks help in higher education and professional science contexts.
RevisionDojo Tips for Maximizing Group 4 Performance
- IA guidance: Use RevisionDojo’s Chemistry, Biology, or Physics IA templates for structure and marking criteria insight.
- Questionbanks & practice: Drill MCQs and data-based questions aligned with the Group 4 syllabus.
- Concept clarification: Access RevisionDojo’s complete IB Biology guide to reinforce understanding of science core themes (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com).
RevisionDojo tools help you master theory, methodology, and exam-style questions in all Group 4 subjects.
Summary Table: Group 4 Sciences & Diploma Scoring
Component Contribution & Purpose Internal Assessment ~24% of each subject grade; highlights practical skills External Exams Papers 1–3 combine for most of subject mark Group 4 Project Historically mandatory for collaboration skills Subject Points (1–7) Total of 42 subject points contributes to diploma total Core requirements TOK + EE can add up to 3 bonus points
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to take two Group 4 subjects?
A: No—only one is required. However, cross-disciplinary strength can support STEM-heavy plans.
Q2: Is Group 4 Project graded?
A: It's no longer mandatory or graded by IB, though schools may still run it for learning experience (Wikipedia, revisiondojo.com, plusplustutors.com, International Baccalaureate®, revisiondojo.com).
Q3: How much does IA matter?
A: IA carries ~24% of your subject score and is crucial for demonstrating lab and inquiry skills.
Q4: How do Group 4 scores affect university applications?
A: Strong performance in science subjects boosts admissions prospects for STEM and science-based programs.
Q5: Do TOK/EE bonus points relate to sciences?
A: Bonus points are independent of Group 4 subjects—they result from combined TOK and EE grades.
Q6: Can I get a 45 without Group 4?
A: No—completing a Group 4 subject is required to earn the full diploma and access 45 points.
Conclusion & RevisionDojo Call to Action
Group 4 sciences are a mandatory and strategic part of your IB Diploma profile. Performance in these subjects ensures scientific competence, critical thinking, and eligibility for the diploma itself. Whether you're taking chemistry, biology, or SEHS, success in science boosts both your subject scores and overall diploma potential.
🎯 Want expert support in mastering Group 4 topics?
👉 Explore RevisionDojo’s Science resources, including Complete Guides, IA templates, flashcards, and interactive quizzes tailored for IB Chemistry, Biology, Physics, ESS, and SEHS. Build confidence and strategy—start your revision today!
