IB - CHEMISTRY

Subject Summary:

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and
investigational skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in
which we live and all biological systems. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is a
prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental
science, and serves as useful preparation for employment (International Baccalaureate Chemistry Diploma
Programme Guide).

The course places considerable emphasis upon practical work conducted within a laboratory. During practical
activities students learn to examine collected data, suggest hypotheses that explain observations, and design and
conduct experiments.

Group 4 students at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) undertake a common core syllabus, a common internal
assessment (IA) scheme and have some overlapping elements in the option studied. While the skills and activities of
group 4 science subjects are common to students at both SL and HL, students at HL are required to study some topics
in greater depth, in the additional higher level (AHL) material and in the common options. The distinction between SL
and HL is one of breadth and depth.

Assessment Outline:

There are two (2) Assessment Categories for given tasks:

External Assessment 80%

Higher Level
Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions on Core and
Additional Higher Level (AHL) material
Paper 2: Data-based question and short-answer and
extended-response questions on the Core and AHL
material
Paper 3: This paper will have questions on core and
AHL Option material.
• Section A: candidates answer short-answer questions
based on experimental skills and techniques, analysis
and evaluation, using unseen data linked to the Core
and AHL material.
• Section B: short-answer and extended-response
questions from one Option.
Standard Level
Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions on Core material
Paper 2: Data-based question and short-answer and
extended-response questions on Core material
Paper 3: This paper will have questions on Core and SL
Option material.
• Section A: candidates answer short-answer questions based
on experimental skills and techniques, analysis and
evaluation, using unseen data linked to the Core material.
• Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions
from one Option.

Internal Assessment 20%

Practical work will be ongoing in Year 11 and 12, with t final Individual Student Practical Report assessed for:

• Personal Engagement
• Exploration
• Analysis
• Evaluation
• Communication

As part of this subject students are also required to undertake a 10 hour Group 4 Project in year 11, with students from
the other three Group 4 subject areas.

Subject Outline:
Semester One Topics: Semester Three Topics:
• Organic Chemistry • Redox Processes (+ AHL)
• Measurement and Data Processing (+ AHL) • Energetics and Thermochemistry (+ AHL)
• Atomic Structure • Chemical Kinetics (+ AHL)
• Medicinal Chemistry (Option D - Part 1)
Semester Four Topics:
Semester Two Topics: • Acids and Bases (+ AHL)
• Stoichiometric Relationships (+ AHL) • Medicinal Chemistry (Option D – Part 3)
• Periodicity (+ AHL)
• Chemical Bonding and Structure (+ AHL)
• Equilibrium
• Medicinal Chemistry (Option D - Part 2)
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