Improving representation of women in our 2023 DP Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Course Books

Written by Eleanor F. , Emily Richardson, Ben Rout , and Hilary Sayer

In preparing the new editions of DP Science, we made a conscious effort to include more diverse examples of scientists to reflect the global nature of the IB and recognise historically neglected scientists for their ground-breaking work. In particular, we wanted to correct the male-bias in classical science education with examples of women scientists innovating in their research. We have linked these case studies of pioneering women with key DP concepts such as nature of science, theory of knowledge, and approaches to learning.

DP Biology

In DP Biology, one of the Theory of Knowledge questions presented is ‘Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?’. This question is illustrated with the Peter Mitchell and Jennifer Moyle case study. Although Mitchell proposed the chemiosmotic hypothesis to explain the coupling of electron transport in the inner mitochondrial membrane to ATP synthesis, he was supported by Moyle, who designed many of the experiments that were fundamental in testing the theory of chemiosmosis.

Born in Norwich in the UK, Moyle specialised in Biochemistry when attending the University of Cambridge, and went on to join a Cambridge biochemistry lab in 1964. Her work with Mitchell led to the development of the chemiosmosis theory, which was not accepted in the scientific community until 1978, when Mitchell was awarded a Nobel prize for their work. Although Moyle’s work was acknowledged in the award, she did not receive the same honour.

Moyle has also worked on purified isocitric enzymes, co-authoring a paper outlining the proper purification of this enzyme.

DP Chemistry

In DP Chemistry, the global impact of science is illustrated with Alice Ball, a US chemist, and Katsuko Saruhashi, a Japanese geochemist.

In 1915, Ball developed a chemical method to make a common treatment for leprosy easier to administer to patients. Ball tragically died a year later at the age of 24 before her work on the “Ball method” was widely recognised. However, after her death, medication developed using her method was used all over the world to treat leprosy, until the invention of antibiotics. Ball was the first African American to earn a master’s degree in the US.

Saruhashi devised a methodology to determine levels of carbon dioxide in seawater and investigated the effects of nuclear testing on the ocean. In addition to this, Saruhashi spent much of her career elevating the status of other female scientists, establishing the annual Saruhashi Prize in 1981, awarded to women for their contributions to scientific research. On the representation of women in science, Saruhashi said, “the lack of equal opportunity is one. There is also the attitude of society – of parents and teachers. And there is little recognition of the contributions of women scientists.”

DP Physics

In DP Physics, ATL examples are illustrated with Elise Meitner, an Austrian-Swedish physicist, and Emmy Noether, a German mathematician.

Meitner was forced to leave Germany during the Second World War and fled to Sweden. She was one of the most outspoken voices during the war, opposing German scientists who were involved in developing nuclear weapons. When she died in 1968, her nephew wrote the inscription on her grave: “Lise Meitner: a physicist who never lost her humanity”. Students can use the example of Meitner to reflect on the impact of behaviour.

Noether made many important contributions to abstract algebra, and notably published work in 1918 that is now referred to as Noether’s theorem, which links conservation of energy to the laws of physics. She and her work were held in high esteem by other mathematicians, and, although often not paid for her work, she was encouraged by those around her to persevere. Noether is a great example of constructively assessing the contribution of peers.

Following the example of Saruhashi and her goals to increase the status of other women scientists, it is hoped that the improved representation in our Course Books will engage and inspire a greater number of students with their scientific studies. Do you have a women scientist that you look up to or use in your teaching? Let us know in the comments who they are!