Chemistry

Group 4

Course Structure

SL and HL

Prerequisites:

Nil

Exclusions:

Nil

Chemistry is an experimental science that examines the nature of matter, in particular predicting & understanding the behaviour of atoms. The IB Chemistry course is a thorough and challenging introduction to the subject which exposes students to every aspect of Chemistry, at an elementary level. It begins with   the nature of atoms, the behaviour & arrangement of electrons, the periodic table and how atoms bond to become new chemicals. The latter half of the course examines the energy changes that allow chemical reactions to occur, then focuses on families of chemicals like acids & bases, catalysts and organic (carbon-based) compounds. The course is full of simple rules & equations, that are applied in increasingly complicated ways to explain the behaviour of chemicals. There is a significant practical component, culminating in an ‘IA’, an individual experiment of the student’s choice that is planned, developed and reported on over a number of weeks. This course is extensive and the Higher Level option is roughly equivalent to a first year University course. It is an excellent way to prepare for a degree/career in Sciences, Engineering, Pharmaceuticals or any field that requires extensive problem solving skills.

 

 

Coursework

Group 4: Chemistry Standard Level Chemistry Higher Level
Components    
Core
  • 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
 12. Stoichiometric relationships Atomic structure
13. Periodicity
14. Chemical bonding and structure
15. Chemical Kinetics
16. Equilibrium
17. Acids and bases
18. Redox processes
19. Organic chemistry
20. Measurement and data processing
21. Measurement and data processing
Additional higher level (AHL)   12. Atomic structure
13. The periodic table – the transition metals
14. Chemical bonding and structure
15. Energetics / thermochemistry
16. Chemical kinetics
17. Equilibrium
18. Redox processes
20. Organic chemistry
21. Measurement and analysis
Option (Choice of one out of four)
  1. Materials
  2. Biochemistry
  3. Energy
  4. Medicinal chemistry
 e. Materials
f. Biochemistry
g. Energy
h. Medicinal chemistry
Practical scheme of work
  • Prescribed and other practical activities
  • Individual investigation (internally assessed)
  • Group 4 project
  • Prescribed and other practical activities
  • Individual investigation
  • Group 4 project

Assessment

Group 4: Chemistry Standard Level      Chemistry Higher Level    
Type of Assessment Format of assessment Time (hours) Weighting of final grade (%)  Format of assessment Time (hours) Weighting of final grade (%)
External   3 80   4.5 80
Paper 1 30 multiple-choice questions 0.75 20 40 multiple-choice questions (Core and HL) 1 20
Paper 2 Short answer and extended response questions (Core) 1.25 40 Short answer and extended response questions (Core and AHL) 2.25 36
Paper 3 Data and practical-based questions, plus short answer and extended response questions on the option 1 20 Data and practical-based questions, plus short answer and extended response questions on the option 1.25 24
Internal   10 20   10 20
Individual Investigation Investigation and write-up of 6 to 12 pages 10 20 Investigation and write-up of 6 to 12 pages 10 20

More in IBDP Subjects