IB Chemistry

Course overview — IB Chemistry

This section explains aims, assessment, syllabus structure and study guidance tailored to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry programme (Higher Level and Standard Level). It replaces the original content with IB-specific language and organisation.

Aims and objectives

• Develop a deep understanding of chemical concepts and how they interconnect across atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry, and inorganic and physical chemistry.

• Foster experimental and investigative skills through practical work, data analysis, and the internal assessment (IA).

• Build problem-solving and quantitative reasoning abilities, including unit manipulation, stoichiometry, thermochemistry and solution calculations.

• Cultivate scientific communication: clear use of chemical nomenclature, equations, data presentation and justification of conclusions.

• Encourage awareness of the socio-scientific context of chemistry, including ethical considerations, sustainability and the role of chemistry in society.

Course structure and content

• Core (SL and HL)

  • Stoichiometric relationships: moles, empirical and molecular formulae, titrations.

  • Atomic structure and periodicity: electron configuration, periodic trends and properties.

  • Bonding and structure: ionic, covalent, metallic bonding; polarity; intermolecular forces; lattice energy.

  • Energetics/thermochemistry: enthalpy changes, calorimetry, Hess’s law.

  • Chemical kinetics: rate laws, collision theory, activation energy and temperature dependence.

  • Chemical equilibria: equilibrium constant expression (Kc, Kp), Le Châtelier’s principle, calculations.

  • Acids and bases: pH, pKa/pKb, strong/weak acids and bases, buffer solutions, titration curves.

  • Redox processes: oxidation states, electron transfer, electrochemical cells and standard electrode potentials.

  • Organic chemistry: functional groups, nomenclature, reaction mechanisms (substitution, addition, elimination), isomerism.

  • Measurement and data processing: uncertainties, significant figures, graphical analysis and use of logarithms.

• Additional higher level (HL) topics

  • Advanced bonding theories: molecular orbital theory, hybridisation nuance and bonding in expanded-valence molecules.

  • Thermodynamics: Gibbs free energy, entropy and spontaneity.

  • Advanced kinetics and equilibria: complex reaction mechanisms, integrated rate laws.

  • Transition elements: characteristic properties, complex ion formation, ligand field effects and colours.

  • Further organic chemistry: spectroscopy (NMR, IR, mass spectrometry) for structure determination, stereochemistry, mechanisms in greater depth.

  • General HL depth: extended mathematical treatment and derivations where required.

Internal assessment (IA)

• The IA is a scientific investigation completed individually and assessed internally. It accounts for a significant portion of the final mark.

• Choose a focused, testable research question aligned to IB criteria: clarity, personal engagement, systematic approach and use of chemical theory.

• Ensure safe, feasible experimental design with appropriate risk assessment and supervisor approval.

• Collect sufficient, reproducible data and apply correct data-processing techniques: uncertainty analysis, error discussion, relevant calculations and graphing.

• Structure the report to include introduction, hypothesis, method, results (with tables and graphs), analysis, conclusion and evaluation that addresses limitations and improvements.

• Demonstrate subject-specific skills: correct use of chemical language, equations, units and evaluation against chemical theory.

Practical work and experimental skills

• Practical work underpins the syllabus. Demonstrate competence in: accurate measurements, using burettes, pipettes, balances, spectrophotometers and gas collection apparatus where applicable.

• Practice titrations, calorimetry, rate experiments, paper chromatography/column techniques, electrochemical cell construction and synthesis of organic compounds (when safe and permitted).

• Emphasise recording raw data, repeating trials, treating anomalous results, and presenting processed data with uncertainties.

• Relate experimental observations to theoretical predictions and comment on agreement and discrepancies.

Assessment overview

• External examinations (HL and SL): Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (structured short-answer and extended-response questions on core and additional SL/Hl material), Paper 3 (data-based questions and option topics for HL; SL may have alternative formats depending on the session). Examination weighting differs between HL and SL—confirm the current IB guide for exact percentages.

• Internal assessment: investigation report marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB.

Options and topic choices

• The course includes optional topics; commonly chosen options are: Materials, Biochemistry, Energy, and Medicinal Chemistry. Choose an option that complements student interests and the school’s practical facilities.

• Tailor teaching and IA projects to the chosen option where appropriate.

Teaching and learning strategies

• Balance concept-driven explanations with worked quantitative examples and problem-solving practice.

• Use scaffolded inquiry for practical work: guided practicals early onInterpreting data and experimental results

• Explaining why processes occur, not just what happens

Students are assessed on their ability to think scientifically, not simply recall facts.

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