LEVEL: Standard Level or High Level
LENGTH: Two-year course (DP1 & DP2)
RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND: A grade of B or higher in Year 10 Science, Mathematics and English.
PATHWAYS: University: chemical engineering, medicine, pharmacology, nanotechnology, forensics, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical analytics, agriculture, material science, geochemistry, food technology, toxicology.
Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It allows students to develop a wide range of practical skills and to increase facility in the use of mathematics. It also allows students to develop interpersonal and information technology skills, which are essential to life in the 21st century.
Students will become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. There will be an emphasis on a practical approach through experimentation over the two years.
Students will study the following Core Topics:
- 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
Additional Higher Level (AHL) Topics include the study of:
- Atomic Structure
- The periodic table—the transition metals
- Chemical bonding and structure
- Energetics/thermochemistry
- Chemical kinetics
- Equilibrium
- Acids and bases
- Redox processes
- Organic chemistry
- Measurement and analysis
And both SL and HL students cover the Option Topics:
- Materials
- Biochemistry
- Energy
- Medicinal chemistry
Students also cover Practical schemes of work:
- Practical activities
- Individual investigation (Internal Assessment)
- Group 4 Project (with Biology)
How science works: The flowchart
Assessment
| SL | HL |
Internal Assessment | |
| Individual Investigation: The internal assessment requirements are the same for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The internal assessment consists of one scientific investigation. The individual investigation should cover a topic that is commensurate with the level of the course of study (24 marks). 20% | Individual Investigation: The internal assessment requirements are the same for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The internal assessment consists of one scientific investigation. The individual investigation should cover a topic that is commensurate with the level of the course of study (24 marks). 20% |
External Assessment | |
| Paper 1 Exam | 45 minutes 30 multiple-choice questions on core, about 15 of which are common with HL. The questions on paper 1 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. The use of calculators is not permitted. Students will be provided with a periodic table. No marks are deducted for incorrect answers (30 marks). 20% | Paper 1 Exam | 1 hour 40 multiple-choice questions on core and AHL, about 15 of which are common with SL. The questions on paper 1 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. The use of calculators is not permitted. Students will be provided with a periodic table. No marks are deducted for incorrect answers (40 marks). 20% |
| Paper 2 Exam | 1 hour 15 minutes Short-answer and extended-response questions on core material. The questions on paper 2 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. The use of calculators is permitted. A chemistry data booklet is to be provided by the school (50 marks). 40% | Paper 2 Exam | 2 hours 15 minutes Short-answer and extended-response questions on the core and AHL material. The questions on paper 2 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. The use of calculators is permitted. A chemistry data booklet is to be provided by the school (90 marks). 36% |
| Paper 3 Exam | 1 hour This paper will have questions on core and SL option material. Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work. Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option. The questions on paper 3 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. The use of calculators is permitted. A chemistry data booklet is to be provided by the school (35 marks). 20% | Paper 3 Exam | 1 hour 15 minutes This paper will have questions on core, AHL and option material. Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work. Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option. The questions on paper 3 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. The use of calculators is permitted. A chemistry data booklet is to be provided by the school (45 marks). 24% |