Chemistry

Nature of Chemistry 

Chemistry is an experimental science which studies the nature and properties of substances and the changes they undergo when they are mixed.  One of the goals of chemistry is to be able to describe the properties of matter in terms of its structure, the arrangement and relationship of particles at the microscopic level. This then allows us to predict and control matter’s behaviour at a macroscopic level. The subject therefore emphasizes the development of representative models and explanatory theories, both of which rely heavily on creative but rational thinking. 

Syllabus

The structure of this chemistry syllabus is intended to promote concept-based teaching and learning. There are two main concepts in Chemistry: structure and reactivity. Both structure and reactivity are divided into three subtopics. 

Subtopics for structure are
S1. Models of the particulate nature of matter,
S2. Models of bonding and structure and
S3. Classification of matter. 

Reactivity discuss questions like
R1. What drives chemical reactions?,
R2. How much, how fast and how far? and
R3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change? 

There is also a strong emphasis on the experimental work, and the amount of hours used for practical work are in SL  20 h and in HL 40 h. In addition both SL and HL students also take part in Collaborative sciences project and will do an individual investigation which is internally assessed.