IB Geography

Students studying IB Geography are expected to be able to:

Images Graphs Statistical tests and indices Research methods Writing Skills
 * Interpret and analyse maps using latitude, longitude, direction, scale, grid references
 * Interpret and (where appropriate) draw and annotate isoline, choropleth, flow, dot, topographic, and topological maps
 * Interpret satellite and aerial photos and cross sections (cross profile)
 * Interpret and construct: line, pie, bar scatter, triangular, logarithmic and bi-polar graphs, flow charts, radial diagrams, population pyramids and Lorenz curves
 * Interpret and calculate: total, mean, median, mode, frequency, range, density, percentage, ratio, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, chi squared test, nearest neighbour index, location quotient, diversity index, HDI, dependency ration and measures of spatial interaction (gravity models)
 * Observe and record information by: interviewing, draw a field sketch and taking photographs, measuring, judging, recording, classifying, describing trends, patterns and relationships in data, predicting, identifying anomalies, making decisions, concluding and evaluating research methods
 * Evaluate geographic information in terms of reliability, relevance, bias, and accuracy
 * Synthesize information, respond appropriately to command terms and present a coherent argument

Core Themes - Part 1 - Patterns and Change (SL/HL)
The four topics are compulsory:
 * 1) Populations in transition
 * 2) Disparities in wealth and development
 * 3) Patterns in environmental quality and sustainability
 * 4) Patterns in resource consumption

Optional Themes - Part 2 (SL/HL)
At standard level 2 options must be studied, at higher level 3 are required.


 * A. Freshwater - issues and conflicts


 * B. Oceans and their coastal margins


 * C. Extreme Environments


 * D. Hazards and disasters - risk assessment and response


 * E. Leisure, sport and tourism


 * F. The geography of food and health


 * H. Urban environments

Extension Themes - Part 3 - Global Interactions (HL)

 * 1) Measuring global interactions
 * 2) Changing space - the shrinking world
 * 3) Economic interactions and flows
 * 4) Environmental change
 * 5) Social-cultural exchanges
 * 6) Political outcomes
 * 7) Global interactions at the local level