International Baccalaureate Chemistry

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CHEMISTRY

WHAT IS CHEMISTRY?
Chemistry deals with the fundamental nature and reactions of matter. It is the central science as chemical concepts form the basis of our understanding of biological systems and the physical world around us

WHY SHOULD I STUDY IB CHEMISTRY?
Chemistry has been hugely influential on mankinds development throughout the ages and this is no less true now. The development of medicines, fuels, armaments, fertilisers, polymers and semiconductors affect all of us one way or another. At a time when our planet seems to be on the brink of so many problems, Chemistry has a major role to play in most areas of human endeavour: understanding global processes; monitoring the environment and pollution; finding alternative fuels and discovering cures for malaria, AIDS and cancer. This is a course which, through practical experience and intellectual arguments, takes students into the fascinating and sometimes perplexing realms of the nature of light, matter and the universe.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
The most important requirements for Chemistry are a real interest in the subject and a determination to work hard and develop good study skills.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
Chemistry can be studied at both standard and higher levels. Topics covered at both levels include: atomic structure and the patterns in the elements of the periodic table; chemical calculations; the nature of chemical bonding and the kinetic theory of matter; organic chemistry; energy changes in chemical reactions; rates of chemical reactions and equilibrium; Acid-Base theory and oxidation-reduction reactions. The extent of coverage depends on the level being studied. Two further options are studied which allow greater in-depth study of certain areas of Chemistry. Examples include: modern analytical methods; human biochemistry; chemistry in industry; medicines and drugs; environmental chemistry; food chemistry; further organic chemistry. The selection of options will depend on student and teacher interests.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
During the course the Practical Skills of Design, Collecting and Processing Data, Evaluation and Manipulation of Apparatus will be assessed at various times (but mainly after Easter of the first year). A Group 4 Project will be undertaken by all students and this will be used to assess the skills of Perseverance, Working as a Team and Self-Reflection.

At the end of the two year course students will sit 3 written papers: 2 are based on the Core and Additional (for Higher Level) material and 1 on the optional topics

COURSE COMMITMENT
As with any Level 3 course you will need to aim for spending as much time outside of the lesson doing private study as you will spend in the classroom. About 4 hours for Higher Level and 2 hours for Standard. This will allow time for completion of assignments set in class as well as to review current work regularly and to revise for the external exams.

COURSE COSTS
You will need a scientific calculator which can be purchased cheaply at college or any stationers.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
Chemistry can be combined with any of the other IB subjects.

Students wishing to progress into scientific fields of study after college will probably need to sign up for two Group 4 subjects and should check the course entry requirements with the university website or prospectus.

The United Kingdom has a large and flourishing Chemical Industry and Chemistry graduates are needed at all levels from research to technical development, marketing and managerial areas of this industry. While Chemistry is essential for medical, veterinary and many paramedical courses, students can go on to careers in Law, Business, Computing and Languages as well as the more obvious engineering and scientific fields.