Chemistry
Course description
Chemistry is an exciting area of academic study that has a wide range of applications and
uses; a knowledge and appreciation of chemistry enhances our ability to understand the
universe.
The chemistry course of the IB Diploma at DYCA is designed to extend your existing skills
and understanding in order that you can progress to higher education or a career that
demands higher level scientific understanding.
In addition to gaining chemical subject knowledge we have the opportunity to: research key
chemical concepts both practically and theoretically; analyse and evaluate information in a
variety of forms; focus on personal skills required for successful group work; solve complex
intellectual problems; demonstrate manipulative skills for practical work.
Links with the Theory of Knowledge course are abundant, offering the opportunity to reflect
on questions such as:
How do we distinguish science from pseudoscience?
When performing experiments, what is the relationship between a scientist’s expectation
and their perception?
How does scientific knowledge progress?
What is the role of imagination and intuition in the sciences?
What are the similarities and differences in methods in the natural sciences and the human
sciences?
(IB Chemistry Guide, IBO, 2014)
Collectively, these skills enable chemistry students to be highly competitive candidates for
university courses and future employment.
Course content
The course comprises eleven core topics at standard level (SL), nine of which (marked * on
the list below) are studied in greater depth on the higher level (HL) course.
Stoichiometric relationships – the application of maths to chemistry to quantify properties
and reactions
Atomic structure* - how the structure of atoms can be used to explain chemical properties
Periodicity* - identifying and explaining trends in chemistry, particularly within the periodic
table
Chemical bonding and structure* - the combination of atoms and ions to form new species
Energetics/thermochemistry* - using the concept of energy to explain key concepts
Chemical kinetics* - investigating and using molecular theories to demonstrate the rate of
reactions
Equilibrium* - exploring the nature of reversible reactions
Acids and bases* - understanding the key role of acids and bases in chemistry
Redox processes* - applying atomic theory to the role of electrons in chemistry
Organic chemistry* - the chemistry of carbon and its compounds
Measurement and data processing – key skills for completing chemical practical work
In addition all students complete one option topic in an area of particular interest from the
list of choices: Materials; Biochemistry; Energy; Medicinal Chemistry.
Practical skills are developed throughout the course and all students complete a variety of
practical activities and an Internal Assessment (IA). Students develop a research question for
each IA topic and then plan, carry out and evaluate a range of experiments to explore their
research question. Recent topics have included: the reaction of metals and acids;
chromatography; using reactions to explore Hess’s Law.
Assessments
All examinations are taken in May of Upper Sixth.
External Assessment
Paper 1 – multiple choice questions assessing the core topics (20% of SL and HL grade)
Paper 2 – written paper assessing all core topics (40% of SL, 36% of HL grades)
Paper 3 – written paper assessing the core, experimental methods and the options topic
(20% of SL, 24% of HL grades)
Internal Assessment
One individual investigation is completed over the course of 10 hours in the laboratory and
is assessed against criteria in the categories: Personal engagement; Exploration; Analysis;
Evaluation; Communication. These elements of the Internal Assessment together contribute
20% of the overall chemistry grade.
Entry requirements
For Chemistry SL you should have at least a GCSE grade C in Chemistry or Core and
Additional Science.
To succeed at Chemistry HL, you should have at least a GCSE grade B.
Future opportunities
Chemistry is a highly respected academic discipline that enables students to develop a
broad range of skills. Many university admissions tutors require or prefer students to have
studied chemistry courses at sixth form, for example to study chemistry, medicine and
chemical engineering.
Students who study chemistry are in high demand with employers because of their ability to
resolve complex problems in an analytical way.
Useful links
The IB Chemistry webpage
The Royal Society of Chemistry http://www.rsc.org/
The Royal Society of Chemistry resource page for students
A teacher’s IB Chemistry website – full of resources
IB Chemistry channel on YouTube
Further information
For any further information please contact Dr Robinson at DYCA
(mark.robinson@leafacademytrust.org.uk).