CHEMISTRY

Nature of the Subject

GIS offers IB Chemistry courses at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). The Chemistry programme meets specific requirements for University entrance, allows for the study of some topics in depth and provides an opportunity for students to pursue areas of personal interest.

Chemistry is a central science. Chemical principles underpin the physical environment in which we live and all Biological systems. As such, the subject has two main roles in the IB curriculum: it is a subject worthy of study in its own right as a preparation for employment or further study, and it is also a pre-requisite for many other courses in higher education such as medicine and engineering, biological and environmental sciences.

IB Chemistry students need a broad science background to IGCSE level (Grade C or Equivalent) and good mathematical skills.

The IB Chemistry course combines well with the Biology and Mathematics programmes.

The Syllabus

Subject Specific Core (SSC) (80 hours)

Topic 1: Stoichiometry

Topic 2: Atomic theory

Topic 3: Periodicity

Topic 4: Bonding

Topic 5: States of matter

Topic 6: Energetic

Topic 7: Kinetics

Topic 8: Equilibrium

Topic 9: Acids and bases

Topic 10: Oxidation and reduction

Topic 11: Organic chemistry

Additional Higher Level (AHL) (55 hours)

Topic 12: Atomic theory

Topic 13: Periodicity

Topic 14: Bonding

Topic 15: Energetic

Topic 16: Kinetics

Topic 17: Equilibrium

Topic 18: Acids and bases

Topic 19: Oxidation and reduction

Topic 20: Organic chemistry

A further two option topics are studied.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a combination of external examinations, conducted at the end of the programme, and internal assessment by the teacher. These two key assessment structures are weighted 76% and 24%, respectively. The external examinations consist of three papers.