Group 4 - Chemistry HL & SL - Copy
Why study IB Chemistry?
Chemistry is the central science. Chemical principles underpin the physical environment in which we live, and all biological systems. As such the subject has two main roles in the curriculum. It is a subject worthy of study in its own right as a general preparation for employment or further study, and it is a specific prerequisite for many other courses in higher education such as: medicine; biological, environmental and material sciences; chemical and mechanical engineering and opens the door to state of the art programmes of study in fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.
The IB Chemistry Course
It is in this context that the Chemistry programme aims to:
- Provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity within global contexts, which stimulate and challenge students.
- Provide a body of knowledge and methodical techniques which characterise science and technology.
- Develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and interpret scientific information
- Develop experimental and investigative scientific skills, with an emphasis on collaboration and communication.
- Raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science and technology and its limitations in all regions of the world.
The syllabus for the Diploma Programme chemistry course is divided into two core concepts: Structure and Reactivity. These in turn are divided into 3 sub-units made up of inter-related topics.
Structure determines reactivity, which in turn transforms structure
|
Structure |
Reactivity |
|
Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter |
Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions? |
|
Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure |
Reactivity 2: How much, how fast, and how far? |
|
Structure 3: Classification of matter |
Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change? |
Teaching Time
The teaching time for standard level (SL) is 110 hours plus 40 hours of experimental work (including the scientific investigation, and collaborative science project).
The teaching time for the higher level (HL) is 180 hours plus 60 hours of experimental work (including the scientific investigation and the collaborative science project).
The HL programme includes all of the content of the SL programme with additional HL content within the sub-topics covered during the course.
Standard Level (SL)
6 lessons of teaching per fortnight
|
Content |
% of total grade |
|
|
Paper 1A: Paper 1B: 1 hour 30 minutes 55 marks |
1A: Multiple choice 1B: Data analysis, experimental skills and techniques |
36% |
|
Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes 50 marks |
Short answer and extended response questions of skills, concepts, and understandings. |
44% |
|
Internal assessment 10 hours 24 marks |
Students will complete a scientific investigation which they will complete independently. The work will include a practical investigation, and a 3000 word scientific write up. |
20% |
|
Practical & collaborative science Project |
Students are also expected to complete an additional 20 hrs of practical work as well as 10 hours on the collaborative science project. |
N/A |
Higher Level (HL) Assessment
4 lessons of teaching per fortnight
|
Content |
% of total grade |
|
|
Paper 1A: Paper 1B 2 hours 75 marks |
1A: Multiple choice on core topics and AHL material 1B: Data analysis, experimental skills and techniques |
36% |
|
Paper 2: 2 hour 30 minutes 90 marks |
Short answer and extended response questions on core and AHL topics |
44% |
|
Internal assessment 10 hours 24 marks |
Students will complete a scientific investigation which they will complete independently. The work will include a practical investigation, and a 3000 word scientific write up. |
20% |
|
Practical & collaborative science Project |
Students are also expected to complete an additional 40 hrs of practical work as well as 10 hours on the group 4 project. |
N/A |
Coursework Criteria (Scientific Investigation)
|
Research design |
Data analysis |
Conclusion |
Evaluation |
Total |
|
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
24 |
Entry Requirements
It is recommended that students have studied IGCSE/GCSE Chemistry and Maths previously.
Entry to Standard Level Chemistry - Students should have a minimum of a Grade 5 in IGCSE/GCSE Chemistry and Maths .
Entry to Higher Level Chemistry - Students should have a minimum of Grade 7 in IGCSE/GCSE Chemistry and Grade 6 in Maths.
