GIS IB Handbook 2018-19

CHEMISTRY
Nature of the Subject
GIS offers IB Chemistry 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 as well as all biological systems. As such, the subject has two main
roles: it is a subject worthy of study in its own right and it is also a pre-requisite for
many other courses in higher education, such as medicine and engineering, biological
and environmental sciences.
The Syllabus
The syllabus for Chemistry comprises the Core, Additional Higher Level (AHL) material
and Option topics as detailed below. All candidates study the Core topics. HL
candidates study the similar topics in more depth in an additional 60 hours.
Core (95 hours)
Topic 1: Stoichiometric relationships,
Topic 2: Atomic structure
Topic 3: Periodicity
Topic 4: Chemical bonding and structure
Topic 5: Energetics / thermochemistry
Topic 6: Chemical kinetics
Topic 7: Equilibrium
Topic 8: Acids and bases
Topic 9: Redox processes
Topic 10: Organic chemistry
Topic 11: Measurement and data processing
Additional Higher Level (AHL) (60 hours)
Topic 12: Atomic Structure
Topic 13: The periodic table – the transition metals
Topic 14: Chemical bonding and structure
Topic 15: Energetics / thermochemistry
Topic 16: Chemical kinetics
Topic 17: Equilibrium
Topic 18: Acids and bases
Topic 19: Redox processes
Topic 20: Organic chemistry
Topic 21: Measurement and analysis
Option Topics (15 hours SL / 25 hours HL)
Option A: Materials
Option B: Biochemistry
Option C: Energy
Option D: Medicinal chemistry
Assessment: External assessment (examinations) 80% internal assessment 20%
21