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How to Choose Your IB Group 4 Subject

How to Choose Your IB Group 4 Subject

2 min read | Lanterna Team | January 27, 2026

Learn how to choose your IB Group 4 Subject. Expert advice on subject selection, assessment breakdown, and the Group 4 project (including IA details).

What are Group 4 Subjects?

Group 4 subjects, often referred to as the ‘experimental sciences’ in the IB curriculum, are designed to equip you with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to understand the world around us.

The great thing about Group 4 is the variety of options available. While traditionally associated with the sciences, they also encompass more technical courses. This means you have a wide selection, including:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Design and Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SL only)
  • Environmental Systems and Societies (SL Only)

How to Choose Your Group 4 Subject

When selecting a Group 4 subject, consider these key factors:

1. What are you interested in?

Are you fascinated by forces and nuclear power, ionic bonding and the periodic table, or the human body and the effects of exercise? The breadth of Group 4 subjects ensures there’s something to spark everyone’s interest.

2. What are your future aspirations?

If you have a clear idea of your university path, let that guide your choice. For aspiring doctors, Biology and Chemistry are often essential. If you aim for a career in technology, Computer Science could be a strong choice.

3. What are your strengths?

Group 4 subjects are challenging but rewarding. It’s wise to choose a subject where you feel you have a solid foundation, rather than simply following what your friends are taking.

Assessment Breakdown

While specific assessment methods vary by subject, there are commonalities across Group 4. Subjects are assessed through both internal assessment (IA) and external examinations. Typically, all students cover a ‘core’ curriculum, with HL students undertaking additional modules. There are also optional topics that contribute to a separate exam paper.

The Group 4 Project

Don't worry about the famed Group 4 project! It's simply a collaborative investigation you undertake, and the mark contributes to your internal assessment. It's a small percentage of your overall grade but offers a refreshing change from standard lab work. If you choose to study two sciences, you only need to complete one Group 4 project.

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IB Group 4 subjects are known as the 'experimental sciences'. They are designed to develop critical thinking about the world around us and encompass a range of scientific and technical courses.

The IB Group 4 subjects typically include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SL only), and Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only).

When choosing your Group 4 subject(s), consider your personal interests, your future university aspirations (as some degrees require specific sciences), and your academic strengths. It's best to pick a subject you genuinely enjoy and feel you have a good foundation in.

Group 4 subjects are assessed through a combination of internal assessments (IAs) and external examinations. All students study a 'core' syllabus, with Higher Level (HL) students covering additional modules and optional topics that contribute to their final grades.

The Group 4 project is a collaborative, interdisciplinary investigation that students undertake. It contributes a small percentage to your internal assessment mark and provides a unique practical experience. If you take two Group 4 subjects, you only need to complete one project.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute session with an IB Student Success Expert. It's designed to help students and parents gain clarity on their IB journey, understand challenges, and receive a personalised plan for what to focus on next, with zero obligation to book tutoring.

Our expert tutors, many of whom scored 40+ in the IB and have extensive teaching or examiner experience, provide personalised support for all Group 4 subjects at both SL and HL. They can help you understand complex concepts, excel in IAs, prepare effectively for exams, and develop robust study strategies to boost your grades.

Yes, the Lanterna IB consultation is absolutely free, with no obligation to commit to tutoring. It's a genuine opportunity to get expert advice and a clear, actionable plan from an IB Student Success Expert, helping you prioritise your efforts and reduce stress about your Group 4 subjects and the broader IB programme.

Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced IB graduates and educators who understand the IB curriculum inside out. They provide invaluable guidance, help you identify your academic needs, and can advise on effective study plans and how to meet IB expectations across all subjects, including your Group 4 choices.

Absolutely. Our tutors are well-versed in the specific requirements for Group 4 IAs and exam formats. They can help you refine your research questions, structure your investigations, improve your experimental design, and master exam techniques to maximise your scores, always adhering to academic honesty guidelines.

Our free IB consultation is the perfect way to find out. You can discuss your specific Group 4 subject, your challenges, and your goals with an expert. They will help you understand how our tailored tutoring approach and resources can best support your success, whether it's for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or any other Group 4 subject.


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