IB Chemistry

Course Description

Grade(s): 11-12                        Level: IB HL or SL                        Credit(s): 2 in Science

Prerequisite(s): General Chemistry, Algebra II/Trigonometry

IB Chemistry is a course of science, related to Biology, Physics and Environmental Systems. It is a prerequisite for many other Science courses in higher education.
 

The topics covered in IB Chemistry are mainly the same for both SL and HL levels, but they are studied more in depth and with additional material in the HL course. The students choose their level considering their interests and
needs.

In the first year, the course starts by reviewing the mole concept and its applications, including stoichimetry. The following general topics are then explored: Atomic Theory, Bonding, Periodicity (including Coordination Compounds for HL), Energetics, Kinetics and Environmental Chemistry. This first year course sets the basis for the second year,allowing students to predict the behavior of matter, based on a solid basic knowledge of shapes and types of particles involved in specific kinds of substances. During the second year, the following topics are explored: Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation-reduction and Organic Chemistry. Finally, the topic “medicines and drugs” is introduced as the second option for both HL and SL courses.

The students will be required to complete 40(SL) to 60(HL) hours of experimental work. This includes demonstrations, laboratory activities, self planned laboratories, field work and integrated science activities.