Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of materials; from those materials around us in our daily lives, to the “molecules of life” themselves. The course provides the interested student with a broad understanding of such materials. It is a distinct advantage for students who opt to study IB Chemistry to have a general interest in the subject already. It is also be preferable for students to have a final end of year MYP grade of 5 or higher in Chemistry before embarking on the higher-level course, but this is not essential if the student is prepared to work hard to overcome any weaknesses in the subject.

Core Topics (studied by all students)

• 1. Stoichiometry
• 2. Atomic Theory
• 3. Periodicity
• 4. Bonding
• 5. States of Matter
• 6. Energetics
• 7. Kinetics
• 8. Equilibrium
• 9. Acids and Bases
• 10. Oxidation and Reduction
• 11. Organic Chemistry

Additional Higher Level Topics (studied by HL students only)

HL students will develop many of the core topics further:

• 12. Atomic Theory
• 13. Periodicity
• 14. Bonding
• 15. Energetics
• 16. Kinetics
• 17. Equilibrium
• 18. Acids and Bases
• 19. Oxidation and Reduction
• 20. Organic Chemistry

Options

All students are encouraged to spend time reading the literature on each topic, but also more broadly on current scientific issues found in the media to provide a background for their more theoretical studies. The library and internet have many additional sources which students should use to supplement their reading throughout the course. Students studying HL Chemistry would have an advantage in takingSL or HL mathematics as more complex mathematical concepts are required in parts of the HL course.

Career

Higher level Chemistry is a prerequisite to gaining entry to medicine and engineering courses. It is also a valuable asset for students intending to study strains of biological and physical science at university.