Qualification aims and objectives

IB Chemistry takes GCSE Chemistry to the next level. Students will study aspects of Chemistry that are often in the media and affect their lives, as well as how these apply to other disciplines and contexts. The aims are:

• To develop students’ interest in, and enthusiasm for, chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry
• To gain an appreciation of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
• To develop a deeper understanding of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.

Course outline

Topics covered:

• Stoichiometric relationships
• Atomic structure
• Periodicity, Periodic Table and Transition Elements
• Chemical bonding and structure
• Energetics/thermochemistry
• Chemical kinetics
• Equilibrium
• Acids and bases
• Redox processes
• Organic chemistry

Course Assessment

External assessment:

• Paper 1:  Multiple choice and Data-based questions (1hr 30) (36%)
• Paper 2: Short answer and extended response questions (1hr 30) (44%)
• Individual Investigation: Personal research, investigation and write-up (20%)
• Measurement, data processing and analysis

Future courses & possible careers?

• Medicine
• Veterinary Science
• Pharmacy
• Biochemistry & Chemical Engineering