Chemistry
IB Chemistry is a 2 year course of study. All IB Chemistry students will study 11 core units as well as 2 ‘options’. HL Students will have an additional 9 units which extend the core material.
All students will be required to complete a number of lab hours and their practical reports will be 24% of their IB Chemistry Grade. These lab reports are assessed by the subject teacher but are moderated by an external examiner. SL students will need to complete 40 hours and HL students 60 hours of practical work.
The IB Chemistry course will focus on the following topics (SL- standard level, HL- higher level):
- Qualitative Chemistry (SL only)
- Atomic structure (SL/HL)
- Periodicity SL/HL)
- Bonding (SL/HL)
- Energetics (SL/HL)
- Kinetics (SL/HL)
- Equilibrium (SL/HL)
- Acids and bases (SL/HL)
- Oxidation and reduction (SL/HL)
- Organic Chemistry (SL/HL)
- Measurement and data processing (SL only)
Options topics (the teacher will choose from 2 or the 7 options)
- Modern analytical chemistry
- Human biochemistry
- Chemistry in industry and technology
- Medicines and drugs
- Environmental chemistry
- Food chemistry
- Further organic chemistry
Aims and Objectives
The aims of the IB Chemistry course are to:
- Combine academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills.
- Encourage a deeper understanding of how scientific systems function at an atomic level.
- Develop an awareness that chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems.
Assessment
Paper 1
45 minutes
20%
Multiple choice (30 questions)
Paper 2
1 hour 15 minutes
32%
Data analysis, short answer and extended response questions.
Paper 3
1 hour
24%
Based solely on the two option units. |
Paper 1
1 hour
20%
Multiple choice (40 questions)
Paper 2
2 hours 15 minutes
36%
Data analysis, short answer and extended response questions.
Paper 3
1 hour 15 minutes
20%
Based solely on the two option units. |
|
24%
The best two examples of each category will be added together and submitted. |
24%
The best two examples of each category will be added together and submitted. |
Textbooks and Resources
The key texts that the candidates will use are:
- IB Chemistry Course companion
- IB Chemistry Revision Guide
Career Options
Chemistry leads into many careers like medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmaceuticals, medical research, pharmacy, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical research, as well as many career opportunities in the food and beverage, petrochemical and research industries.
