IBDP – SCIENCES – CHEMISTRY  

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous assessment programme for students aged 16-19. This course is well respected by universities worldwide and provides high quality education to students. It encourages students to be curious, knowledgeable, open minded, empathetic while inculcating values and attitudes in them.

IBDP offers over 30 courses from six subject groups, from each of these subject groups; students have a choice to pick subjects that interest them.Generally, three subjects are taken at the Higher Level (HL) and others are taken at the Standard Level( SL). HL subjects are studied in greater depth than SL subjects.In addition, three core elements, the extended essay, theory of knowledge and Creativity, Activity, Service are compulsory and central to the programme’s philosophy.

IBDP Chemistry explores three important aspects of chemistry: Physical, Organic and Inorganic chemistry.

IBDP – SCIENCES – CHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY OVERVIEW:

Syllabus componentTeaching hours SLTeaching hours HL
Core
Stoichiometric relationships
Atomic structure
Periodicity
Chemical bonding and structure Energetics/thermochemistry
Chemical kinetics
Equilibrium
Acids and bases
Redox processes
Organic chemistry
Measurement and data processing
95
13.5
6
6
13.5
9
7
4.5
6.5
8
11
10
95+60

8
10
20.5
16
13
8.5
16.5
14
23
12
Options
A. Materials
B. Biochemistry
C. Energy
D. Medicinal chemistry
15
15
15
15
15
25
25
25
25
25
Practical scheme of work
Practical activities
Individual investigation (IA)
Group 4 project
40
20
10
10
60
40
10
10
Total teaching hours150240

Model of Assessment:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific information, methodology, techniques and terminology.
  2. Apply the understood concepts.
  3. Formulate, analyse and evaluate investigation.
  4. Demonstrate the appropriate research, experimental, and personal skills necessary to carry out insightful and ethical investigations.

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

Assessment typeAssessment FormatHours SLHours HLWeightage/ %Weightage/ %
External
Paper 1SL: 30 multiple-choice questions on core.
HL: 40 multiple-choice questions.
(15 common)
45 mins12020
Paper 2Short-answer and extended-response questions. (SL: core and HL: core + AHL)1hr 15 mins2hr 15 mins4036
Paper 3Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work.
Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option
1hr1hr 15 mins2024
Internal10102020

These aspects provide the student a basis of pursuing higher education in chemistry or other related topics. The programme requires the student to focus on qualitative and quantitative aspects sections using various techniques. These techniques range from informative theoretical knowledge to practical applications in the lab and the real world. This holistic approach allows students to learn through a variety of methods including but not limited to exploration, discovery, gathering and interpreting data, analysing outcomes and giving feedback.

IB Chemistry SL covers the first 11 topics (95 hours total), and HL covers additional topics 12 to 21 (additional 60 hours). Where SL introduces and explains subject topics, HL covers each topic in great detail and depth. For further knowledge in a chosen section of the subject both levels also provide one of the four options (listed below). Each topic contains elements of quantitative chemistry, analytical techniques, environmental issues and organic chemistry.