The IA requirement is the same for biology, chemistry and physics. The IA, worth 20% of the final assessment, consists of one task—the scientific investigation. The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the student gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report. The maximum overall word count for the report is 3,000 words.

The following are not included in the word count.

• • Charts and diagrams
• • Data tables
• • Equations, formulas and calculations
• • Citations/references (whether parenthetical, numbered, footnotes or endnotes)
• • Bibliography
• • Headers

The following details should be stated at the start of the report.

• • Title of the investigation
• • IB candidate code (alphanumeric, for example, xyz123)
• • IB candidate code for all group members (if applicable)
• • Number of words

There is no requirement to include a cover page or a contents page.

The performance in IA at both SL and HL is marked against common assessment criteria, with a total mark out of 24. Student work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB. The four assessment criteria are as follows.

• • Research design
• • Data analysis
• • Conclusion
• • Evaluation