Chemistry

Group 4 subject

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is often called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems.

Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, Chemistry is a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental science, and serves as a useful preparation for employment.

Earth, water, air and fire are often said to be the four classical elements. They have connections with Hinduism and Buddhism. The Greek philosopher Plato was the first to call these entities elements. The study of Chemistry has changed dramatically from its origins in the early days of alchemists, who had as their quest the transmutation of common metals into gold. Chemistry has been hugely influential on mankind’s development throughout the ages, driving the development of many fundamental aspects of modern life, including, medicines, fuels, armaments, fertilisers, polymers and semiconductors. Despite the exciting and extraordinary development of ideas throughout the history of chemistry, certain things have remained unchanged. Observations remain essential, at the very core of Chemistry, and this sometimes requires decisions about what to look for. The scientific processes carried out by the most eminent scientists in the past are the same ones followed by working Chemists today and, crucially, are also accessible to students in schools. This is a course that, through practical experience and intellectual argument, enables students the opportunity to delve into the fascinating and sometimes perplexing realms of the nature of light, matter and the Universe.

Course content

Core curriculum

• quantitative chemistry

• atomic structure

• periodicity

• chemical bonding and structure

• energetics

• kinetics

• equilibrium

• acids and bases

• oxidation and reduction

• organic chemistry

• measurement and data processing (including spectroscopic analysis)

Options

Students study one option topic on either energy or medicinal chemistry.

• energy: energy sources, fossil fuels, nuclear fusion and fission, solar energy, environmental impact – global warming, electrochemistry, rechargeable batteries and fuel cells (HL only), nuclear fusion and nuclear fission (HL only), photovoltaic and dye-sensitized solar cells (HL only)

• medicinal chemistry: pharmaceutical products and drug action, aspirin and penicillin, opiates, pH regulation of the stomach, anti- viral medications, environmental impact of some medications, taxol – a chiral auxiliary case study (HL only), nuclear medicine (HL only), drug detection and analysis (HL only)

For Chemistry IB syllabus, click here.

Skills developed

The subject trains students to interpret abstract ideas. Starting with the basis of chemistry, an understanding of atomic structure, students build images in their minds that are used to predict and explain the properties of matter. An appreciation of the three-dimensional structure of molecules is essential and in the kinetics and equilibrium topics, students learn to visualise models of reaction pathways during dynamic equilibrium. It is a practical subject and students are encouraged to develop the ability to question the validity and reliability of data and appreciate the value of scientific method and reasoning.

Assessment

External assessment – 80%

• paper 1: multiple choice – 20%

• paper 2: extended answer – 40%

• paper 3: option topics and data response – 20%

Internal assessment – 20%

• this component occupies about 10 hours of class time and comprises experimental work investigating a research question of your choice

University courses and careers

Chemistry is essential for students who intend to pursue careers in almost any pure or applied science such as medicine, environmental sciences, biological sciences, engineering, material science and the oil and gas industry. It is also an excellent subject for students intending to do arts or humanities courses at university. The standard level course would be particularly suitable for those students who need some understanding of materials for courses such as 3D arts, Geology, Food, Fashion and even Economics and Business Studies.