What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
HL IB Chemistry is very demanding and requires dedicating time and effort in order to achieve your full potential. Students should be aiming to achieve at least B grades in GCSE Science and Additional science to be considered for the HL course. A strong background in Mathematics and English would also be an advantage in this subject.
What will I learn on this course?
For Standard Level Students
| Topic(s) |
Title |
Hours of Study |
| 1 |
Quantitative chemistry |
12.5 |
| 2 |
Atomic Structure |
4 |
| 3 |
Periodicity |
6 |
| 4 |
Bonding |
12.5 |
| 5 |
Energetics |
8 |
| 6 |
Kinetics |
5 |
| 7 |
Equilibrium |
5 |
| 8 |
Acids and Bases |
6 |
| 9 |
Oxidation and reduction |
7 |
| 10 |
Organic Chemistry |
12 |
| 11 |
Measurement and data processing |
2 |
Finally, students will cover 2 optional topics. These will be selected by your teachers from those listed below:
| Option A |
Modern Analytical Chemistry |
15 |
| Option B |
Human Biochemistry |
15 |
| Option C |
Chemistry in Industry and Technology |
15 |
| Option D |
Medicines and Drugs |
15 |
| Option E |
Environmental Chemistry |
15 |
| Option F |
Food Chemistry |
15 |
| Option G |
Further Organic Chemistry |
15 |
All students will spend a significant amount of time on the Internal Assessment (IA). This consists of an interdisciplinary, Group 4 Project (10-15 hours) and a series of Laboratory Investigations (40 hours). Students will develop Laboratory Workbooks in which they will record all data and develop their Practical Reports.
For Higher Level Students
| # |
Title |
Number of hours of Study |
| 1 |
Quantitative chemistry |
12.5
|
| 2 |
Atomic Structure |
4
|
| 3 |
Periodicity |
6
|
| 4 |
Bonding |
12.5
|
| 5 |
Energetics |
8
|
| 6 |
Kinetics |
5
|
| 7 |
Equilibrium |
5
|
| 8 |
Acids and Bases |
6
|
| 9 |
Oxidation and reduction |
7
|
| 10 |
Organic Chemistry |
12
|
| 11 |
Measurement and data processing |
2
|
| 12 |
Atomic structure |
3
|
| 13 |
Periodicity |
4
|
| 14 |
Bonding |
5
|
| 15 |
Energetics |
8
|
| 16 |
Kinetics |
6
|
| 17 |
Equilibrium |
4
|
| 18 |
Acids and Bases |
10
|
| 19 |
Oxidation and reduction |
5
|
| 20 |
Organic Chemistry |
10
|
Finally, students will cover 2 optional topics. These will be selected by your teachers from those listed below:
| Option A |
Modern Analytical Chemistry |
22 |
| Option B |
Human Biochemistry |
22 |
| Option C |
Chemistry in Industry and Technology |
22 |
| Option D |
Medicines and Drugs |
22 |
| Option E |
Environmental Chemistry |
22 |
| Option F |
Food Chemistry |
22 |
| Option G |
Further Organic Chemistry |
22 |
All students will spend a significant amount of time on the Internal Assessment (IA). This consists of an interdisciplinary, Group 4 Project (10-15 hours) and a series of Laboratory Investigations (50 hours). Students will develop Laboratory Workbooks in which they will record all data and develop their Practical Reports.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
This qualification is suitable for students who:
- have an interest in, and enjoyment of chemistry
- enjoy carrying out investigation by the application of imaginative, logical and critical thinking
- want to use chemistry to support other qualifications or progress onto further studies or employment
How will my work be assessed?
SL Assessment
| # |
Weighting |
Duration |
Format |
| 1 |
20% |
45 mins |
30 multi-choice questions on Core |
| 2 |
32% |
75 mins |
A) Database question and short answer B) Choice of one question from three |
| 3 |
24% |
60 mins |
Questions on the 2 options studied |
HL Assessment
| |
Weighting |
Duration |
Format |
| 1 |
20% |
60 mins |
40 multi-choice questions on Core + AHL |
| 2 |
36% |
135 mins |
Compulsory questions on Core + AHL + Choice of two questions from four |
| 3 |
20% |
75 mins |
Core + AHL + Questions on the 2 options studied
|
The IA (Internal Assessment) is worth 24%
What skills can I develop by taking this course?
The study of Chemistry necessitates that students are:
Inquirers
Curiosity in chemical ideas is nurtured. Students acquire the skills necessary to conduct constructive inquiry and research into chemical processes and ideas and, in doing so, become independent active learners.
Knowledgeable
Chemistry is a complex subject and the chemical industry worldwide is a huge concern. During the course students explore chemical concepts, ideas and issues which have global relevance and importance. They explore the connections between chemistry and other subjects.
Critical thinkers
Chemists must be particularly good problem solving, throughout the course and particularly in their group 4 project.
Communicators
The chemistry course is structured in order to enable students to understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively using a variety of modes of communication including discussions about topical issues, presentations and written work.
Risk-takers
During the course, and particularly during their group 4 projects, chemists learn to approach unfamiliar practical work with confidence and forethought built up over time, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.
Principled
Chemists must have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. This is important throughout the course but particularly when dealing with the issues involved in option D.
Caring
Chemists work together, particularly during projects and experimental work which necessitates empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. The environment is very important to chemists of the twenty first century and they are expected to have a personal commitment to action and service to make a positive difference.
Open-minded
It is important that Scientists consider the values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view, particularly when making decisions which will affect the lives of others.
Well-balanced
Chemistry is a challenging subject and it is important that students appreciate the need for a balance between academic work and other activities.
Reflective
The chemistry course allows students to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and personal development. Individually and in groups they are able to analyze their strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.
What could I go on to do at the end of this course?
Chemistry leads on to a wide range of degree courses leading on to a career in Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Dentistry, to name but a few. The analytical skills and knowledge developed in studying Chemistry, The Central Science, are valued for admission to courses such as Accountancy, Law and many others.