IB Course Guide 2024

Chemistry

C H E M I S T R Y

Chemistry is the study of the differing compositions, properties and reactions of substances, and their applications in our world. It is the “central science” with many overlaps with the other biological and physical sciences. The rigour of the course and its central nature result in many university science courses, such as Medicine (as well as Chemistry itself ) requiring Chemistry as a prerequisite. The IB Diploma syllabus organises the course content into two strands: structure and reactivity. We begin with the core concepts of the particulate nature of matter, considering how these ideas developed, then applying them to enable us to study more complex structures and to understand the variety of chemical reactions of various elements and compounds. Within this framework, all the traditional topics of Chemistry are studied, including: Acids & Bases, Kinetics, Energetics and Organic Chemistry. The IB Diploma highlights Chemistry’s international perspective, including a consideration of the role of ozone in the Earth’s atmosphere, the science behind the challenges of global warming, and Green Chemistry considerations to decrease the environmental impact of the chemical industry. The IB Diploma focuses on the investigative nature of Chemistry, so many hands-on practicals feature over the duration of the course. Furthermore, all pupils conduct an IA in the second year of the course, during which they devise and carry out an open-ended scientific investigation that they have devised themselves.

COMPONENT

ASSESSMENT

CONTENTS

HL

SL

Paper 1

2 hr exam Weighting: 36%

1½ hr exam Weighting: 36%

Multiple Choice Questions Data-based questions

Paper 2

2 hr exam Weighting: 44%

1 ½ hr exam Weighting: 44%

Short answer and extended-response

1 ¼ hr exam Marks: 45 Weighting: 24%

1 hr exam Marks: 35 Weighting: 20%

Data-based and experimental work questions Short answer option topic questions

Internal Assessment (coursework)

10 hr project of pupil’s choosing including write-up Weighting: 20%

Pupil-devised practical project

9