The Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Design Technology was last updated for first teaching in September 2014, with syllabus updates (including a decrease in the number of options), a new internal assessment component similar to that of the Group 5 (mathematics) explorations, and "a new concept-based approach" dubbed "the nature of science".
A new, standard level-only course will also be introduced to cater to candidates who do not wish to further their studies in the sciences, focusing on important concepts in Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
[6] All group 4 subjects (except computer science and environmental systems and societies; see below) follow roughly the same format.
[9] The 2023 updates to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics curriculum introduce a significant structural change, making it more cohesive and integrated.
The new syllabus no longer distinguishes between "core" and "options," which makes it more difficult to pinpoint which topics are entirely new, slightly altered, or removed compared to the 2014 guide.
Some of the newly added sub-topics include Relativity, Engineering, Astrophysics, Entropy, Compton Scattering, Apparent Brightness, and Energy Resources.
Topics such as Quarks, Capacitors, Diodes, The Weak Force, Thin Films, and Cosmology are no longer part of the syllabus.
While the removal of these topics may initially seem like a loss, the revised curriculum is designed to offer a more streamlined and integrated learning experience.
Aside from instruction relevant to this, students are given the chance to learn complex laboratory techniques (e.g., DNA extraction) as well as develop mindful opinions about controversial topics in biology (e.g., stem-cell research and genetic modification).
The structure and assessment of the course has changed to greater emphasize problem solving rather than Java program construction.
All students of the Diploma Programme in any of these subjects, with the exception of environmental systems and societies, were compulsorily to complete an inter-disciplinary and collaborative investigation called the Group 4 project, which, from the last syllabus revision of 2015, is no lo ger required.