Which Science Should I Choose for IB Courses?

[Flare12]

Hi everyone! In just about a month, I will be starting my IB courses in junior year high school. I have chosen Math SL, along with Economics Hl, Biology HL and Chemistry HL. However in the past few days I suddenly realized how I also really like physics (especially quantum mechanics and natural physics). I really don't know what to do because now I really can't see my future. If I take Physics HL, I would have to probably also do Math HL and from there make out my future based on physics and maths and probably engineering. This would mean I would need to work heavily especially in math, as I am not heavily involved in math but I appreciate it a lot and I like physics which is correlated in a possible. However I don't know if I should just do Chemistry and Biology instead in HL because I am also fascinated by molecular biology and biochemsitry. Which sciences and maths should I chose and why? Please can I have some help? Last question, whenever I can't understand or grasp a question or concept any subject, I always get stressed and just give up what can I do? (Going to a university in Europe - So I need to choose a field)

 

[Bystander]

Let's see if I've got this straight --- you will be starting your junior year in high school, are contemplating a "load," and don't even know what you want do?

Last question, whenever I can't understand or grasp a question or concept any subject, I always get stressed and just give up what can I do?

"IB" means much less once you've fumbled it.

 

[Flare12]

Let's see if I've got this straight --- you will be starting your junior year in high school, are contemplating a "load," and don't even know what you want do?
"IB" means much less once you've fumbled it.

Let's see if I've got this straight --- you will be starting your junior year in high school, are contemplating a "load," and don't even know what you want do?
"IB" means much less once you've fumbled it.

I enjoy the subjects but I really don't know which combination. Hopefully if I find the right ones the load won't be as much in terms that I will enjoy it.

 

[symbolipoint]

As MUCH Mathematics as you possibly can do, for ALL YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL. Do whatever other science course you can do, but the Mathematics will be the most important. You can figure out which way to go while in college. Physics and Mathematics are neat. Biology is messy but some people like it or can deal with them better. Chemistry is still a little messy and is clearer in its use of Mathematics (clearer than for Biology). If after a few semesters of science course, you feel you like to bite into things using algebra and equations, then your choices will more likely be the physical sciences.

 

[Flare12]

As MUCH Mathematics as you possibly can do, for ALL YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL. Do whatever other science course you can do, but the Mathematics will be the most important. You can figure out which way to go while in college. Physics and Mathematics are neat. Biology is messy but some people like it or can deal with them better. Chemistry is still a little messy and is clearer in its use of Mathematics (clearer than for Biology). If after a few semesters of science course, you feel you like to bite into things using algebra and equations, then your choices will more likely be the physical sciences.

Thanks for the advice, but I am going to a university which means I will need to choose a subject to study and focus on it. The IB HL Sciences and Math are crucial for that .

 

[symbolipoint]

Thanks for the advice, but I am going to a university which means I will need to choose a subject to study and focus on it. The IB HL Sciences and Math are crucial for that .

Choose your major field to begin the university, but change choice of major field as you go, as you find out more about yourself and career possibilities.

 

[Student100]

However in the past few days I suddenly realized how I also really like physics (especially quantum mechanics and natural physics).

You're basing this off what exactly? I can basically assure you that you know nothing about quantum mechanics, and I don't even know what natural physics is. Physics, be definition, is all "natural."

I really don't know what to do because now I really can't see my future. If I take Physics HL, I would have to probably also do Math HL and from there make out my future based on physics and maths and probably engineering. This would mean I would need to work heavily especially in math, as I am not heavily involved in math but I appreciate it a lot and I like physics which is correlated in a possible. However I don't know if I should just do Chemistry and Biology instead in HL because I am also fascinated by molecular biology and biochemsitry. Which sciences and maths should I chose and why? Please can I have some help?

If you want to do anything in the sciences, be it physics, biology, chemistry, or one of the applied fields like engineering, you're going to need a certain level of mathematical sophistication. So I don't see how mathematics could not be a choice, regardless of the other choice. As far as the other choice, why will you not be able to at least do two out of three choices?

Last question, whenever I can't understand or grasp a question or concept any subject, I always get stressed and just give up what can I do? (Going to a university in Europe - So I need to choose a field)

Short answer, stop doing that.

Long answer, anything worth learning shouldn't come naturally or trivially. So those things you just give up on are the probably the most important concepts from the class. If you continue to give up, without exerting any real effort, then you aren't going to make it very far in the sciences. You should also make use of things like tutoring, office hours, etc. but don't let these become crutches that provide you spoon fed answers.

 

[Kajal Sengupta]

As a Physics teacher what I found about Physics HL is that the level is quite high and you need to know your Maths well. If you give up easily when faced with a problem then Maths is going to be tough for you. Or maybe you are underestimating your self. At times we do get frustrated if we are not able to crack a question.