IB Chemistry
LENGTH: Two years
KEY CONTACT: Jarrod Chave and Kerry Pinchbeck
COURSE CONTENT:
Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is often called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems.
The Diploma Programme chemistry course allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques and to increase facility in the use of mathematics, which is the language of science. It also allows students to develop interpersonal skills, and digital technology skills, which are essential in 21st century scientific endeavour and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right.
The course is available at both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL), and therefore accommodates students who wish to study chemistry as their major subject in higher education and those who do not. Throughout both programs students will complete the topics listed below as well as a set number of experiments which link to the relevant topics.
Core Topics (SL and HL)
- Stoichiometric relationships
- Atomic structure
- Periodicity
- Chemical bonding and structure
- Energetics/thermochemistry
- Chemical kinetics
- Equilibrium
- Acids and bases
- Redox processes
- Organic chemistry
- Measurement and data processing
Additional higher level (HL only)
- Extensions in the above topics
- The periodic table- the transition metals
- Measurement and analysis
ASSESSMENT:
Students will demonstrate their understanding through assessment in the following forms:
- Externally Moderated Examination
- Internal Investigation Report
- Formative learning tasks including practical reports, presentations and research tasks.
- Semester examinations
SUBJECT COSTS:
All IB subjects incur an examination fee in the second year of the course in order to be externally assessed. The costing system is only applied to those that undertake the final examination, there is no cost to students who undertake the course for only one of two years.
Please note, costs vary slightly due to global exchange rates.
