Course Description
Chemistry is the study of matter and energy. Matter and the chemical and physical changes it
undergoes as well as the energy involved in these changes are considered. Students will learn
how to answer general questions about everyday observations with detailed explanations of
what is happening at the molecular level. How are diamonds and charcoal different although
they are made of the same element? Why do some things become hot and some become cold
when they react? Why does salt dissolve in water? IB Chemistry will cover a broad range of
topics, with the understanding acquired in one topic being applied to the next. The course will
focus on building an understanding of the concepts, presenting clear explanations, and problem
solving as well as on laboratory investigations.
Topics Covered
Year 12 – Quantitative Chemistry, Atomic Structure, Organic Chemistry, Modern Analytical
Techniques, Bonding & Structure, Periodicity & Energetics.
Year 13 - Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids & Bases, Environmental Chemistry, Oxidation and
Reduction.
The five most important objectives:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of
1.
2.
3.
4.
Scientific facts and concepts
Scientific methods and techniques
Scientific terminology
Methods of presenting scientific information.
2. Apply and use:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Scientific facts and concepts
Scientific methods and techniques
Scientific terminology to communicate effectively
Appropriate methods to present scientific information
3. Construct, analyse and evaluate:
1. Research questions and predictions
2. Scientific methods and techniques
3. Scientific explanations
4. Demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance and responsibility
appropriate for effective scientific investigation and problem solving.
5. Demonstrate the manipulative skills necessary to carry out scientific investigations with
precision and safety.
Assessment Requirements:
The final grade in IB science consists of three exam papers taken in May of year 13 and an
internal assessment grade. The three exam papers count to 76% of a student’s grade. The
remaining 24% comes from Internal Assessments handed in over the two years.
For standard level, paper 1 consists of 30 multiple choice questions to be answered in 45
minutes. Students have 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete paper 2 which consists of two
sections. All questions in section A must be completed. Students choose one of three questions
in section B. Paper 3 focuses on two option topics (Modern Analytical Techniques and
Environmental Chemistry) and all questions must be answered in 1 hour.
For higher level, paper 1 consists of 45 multiple choice questions to be answered in 1 hour.
Students have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete paper 2 which consists of two sections. All
questions in section A must be completed. Students choose two of four questions in Section B.
Paper 3 focuses on two topics and all questions must be answered in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
To earn the IB diploma, students must also successfully complete the group 4 project, an
interdisciplinary project where students work together with students from all sciences and
Design & Technology in designing and performing their own experiment. Students must also
successfully complete 40 hours of lab work for standard level and 60 hours of lab work for
higher level.