Chemistry

Chemistry (GROUP 4)

Chemistry has many principles which govern the world in which we live. We are dependent on Chemistry in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Chemistry is a very logical subject which is much valued by professions outside of science, such as law, accountancy and politics. It is also a prerequisite for some degree courses such as medicine.

The IB course is aimed to help develop your appreciation of the social, economic and technological impacts of Chemistry. Both Standard and Higher Level students work within the same general framework, studying atoms, bonding, structure, energy changes, kinetics, equilibria and organic Chemistry.

At Standard Level there is an emphasis on qualitative description of concepts and understanding how different ideas interact to govern the behaviour of chemicals, with some quantitative techniques explored. At Higher Level the concepts are treated in more detail and depth, with a more quantitative approach to problem-solving.

Practical work is an essential part of the course. It is formally assessed in a single internal assessment (worth 20% of the overall mark) lasting ten hours in which you need to plan effectively, work thoroughly and discuss critically.

The IB Chemistry course has public examinations only at the end of the second year. There are three written examinations at Higher Level: a multiple choice paper (worth 20% of the overall mark) and two written papers - one worth 36% of the overall mark and examining the core material, the other worth 24% of the overall mark and primarily examining data response and the optional topic.

There are also three written examinations at Standard Level: a multiple choice paper (worth 20% of the overall mark) and two written papers - one worth 40% of the overall mark and examining the core material, the other worth 20% of the overall mark and primarily examining data response and the optional topic.

There are four option topics in the IB and many classes choose to study the Medicinal Chemistry option. This allows in-depth study of the following aspects – pharmaceutical products, drug action, aspirin and penicillin, the opiates, pH regulation of the stomach, antiviral medication, nuclear medicine and drug detection.

The course is designed to help you acquire specific knowledge and practical skills, but should also encourage you to think as an IB student appreciating the importance of Theory of Knowledge in science and showing you a variety of ways of working.

We hope that during the course you will enjoy learning about the fundamental processes that govern how we live.