What are the prerequisites for taking IB SEHS?

Generally requires a B average in previous science courses and/or teacher recommendation. Students should have foundational scientific knowledge, though the course is open to those interested in biology, health, or sports who meet the academic requirements.

What's the difference between SEHS HL and SL?

HL involves about 240 teaching hours covering core and additional advanced topics, while SL is about 150 hours focusing on core topics only. HL has more exam papers, longer essay-style questions, higher internal assessment demands, and is comparable to first-year university material.

What career paths does SEHS prepare students for?

SEHS provides excellent preparation for careers in sports science, medicine, physiotherapy, sports psychology, nutrition and dietetics, physical education teaching, kinesiology, strength and conditioning coaching, personal training, and elite athletic performance support.

How important is practical work in SEHS?

Practical work is a core component involving hands-on experiments and investigations in laboratory and field settings. The Internal Assessment requires students to design and conduct their own scientific inquiry, developing skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Can I take SEHS without a sports background?

Yes, SEHS suits students interested in the science and health aspects of physical activity, not just athletics. The course focuses on scientific principles behind human movement, physiology, and health rather than requiring athletic experience.

How difficult is the SEHS course?

SEHS has moderate to high difficulty due to its scientific content integrated with practical work. It combines biology, biomechanics, physiology, psychology, and nutrition, requiring strong analytical skills and the ability to link concepts across different areas.

Is SEHS good for university preparation?

Yes, SEHS is well-regarded for students interested in health-related sciences and provides a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, exercise science, and psychology. It develops scientific research skills and critical thinking valuable for university studies in STEM and health-related fields.

IB Sports, exercise and health science Resources

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Browse IB Sports, exercise and health science notes, questionbank questions, videos, and flashcards, and revision tools for SL and HL.

IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science is a Group 4 subject in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It explores exercise physiology and nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology and motor learning, with a strong focus on scientific inquiry, experimental investigation, and the application of scientific principles to real-world sports, exercise, and health contexts.

The course is available at Standard Level (SL), 150 teaching hours and Higher Level (HL), 240 teaching hours, with first assessment in 2026.

Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS)

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6 papers

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85 lessons

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Grade Boundaries

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Assessment at a Glance

Assessment	Format	SL	HL	Weighting
Paper 1	Multiple choice questions (30 questions)	30 minutes	30 minutes	Part of 80%
Paper 2	Data-based and application questions	1 hour 15 minutes	2 hours 15 minutes	Part of 80%
Internal Assessment	Individual scientific investigation report	40 hours	40 hours	20%

A.1.1 Inter-system communication

A.1.2 Maintaining homeostasis

A.1.3 Transport

A.2.1 Water and electrolyte balance

A.2.2 Fuelling for health and performance

A.2.3 Energy systems

A.3.1 Qualities of training

A.3.2 Benefits to health of being active

A.3.3 Fatigue and recovery (HL)

B.1.1 Anatomical position, planes and movement

B.1.2 Structure and function of connective tissues and joints

B.1.3 Muscular function

B.1.4 Levers in movement and sport

B.2.1 Newton’s laws of motion

B.2.2 Fluid mechanics

B.2.3 Movement analysis and its applications

B.3.1 Causes of injury

B.3.2 Interventions related to injury

C.1.1 Personality

C.1.2 Mental toughness

C.2.1 Motor learning processes

C.2.2 Attentional control

C.3.1 Achievement motivation

C.3.2 Self-determination

C.3.3 Motivational climate

C.4.1 Arousal and anxiety

C.4.2 Coping

C.5.1 Goal setting

C.5.2 Imagery

Course Aims & Skills

Appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging opportunities

Acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology

Apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology