Chemistry International Baccalaureate

As with other DP science courses the theme of the nature of science is fundamental. The aims of the DP Chemistry course include enabling students to appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context, whilst acquiring and using a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterise science and technology. The value of effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities is emphasised alongside experimental and investigative scientific skills. Equally, wider considerations such as the ethics of scientific study, the role of science globally, its interplay with other subject disciplines and its limitations are of great import on the DP Chemistry course.

Students also undertake the group 4 project – a collaborative cross discipline project where students examine the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology.

Core

• Stoichiometric relationships
• Atomic structure
• Periodicity
• Chemical bonding and structure
• Energetics/thermochemistry
• Chemical kinetics
• Equilibrium
• Acids and bases
• Redox processes
• Organic chemistry
• Measurement and data processing
• Atomic structure (Higher Level)
• The periodic table—the transition metals (Higher Level)
• Chemical bonding and structure (Higher Level)
• Energetics/thermochemistry (Higher Level)
• Chemical kinetics (Higher Level)
• Equilibrium (Higher Level)
• Acids and bases (Higher Level)
• Redox processes (Higher Level)
• Organic chemistry (Higher Level)
• Measurement and analysis (Higher Level)

Option (choice of one)

• Materials
• Biochemistry
• Energy
• Medicinal chemistry

Practical scheme of work

• Prescribed and other practical activities
• Individual investigation (internally assessed)

The course is made up of both externally assessed examinations and an internally assessed portfolio. King’s InterHigh will support with guidance around where external exams may be sat. These exams are sat at the end of the two year programme.

• Paper 1: 30 multiple-choice questions (Core (Plus AHL Higher Level)) (40 questions for Higher Level)
• Paper 2: Short answer and extended response questions (Core (Plus AHL Higher Level))
• Paper 3: Data- and practical-based questions, plus short answer and extended response questions on the option

• Individual investigation and write-up

Standard Level

• Many automobile manufacturers are developing vehicles that use hydrogen as a fuel.
  1. Suggest why such vehicles are considered to cause less harm to the environment than those with internal combustion engines.
  2. Hydrogen can be produced from the reaction of coke with steam: C(s)+2H2 O(g) 2H2 (g)+CO2 (g)

Higher Level

• “The two isomers of [Pt(NH3 ) 2 Cl2 ] are crystalline. One of the isomers is widely used in the treatment of cancer.
  1. Draw both isomers of the complex,
  2. Explain the polarity of each isomer using a diagram of each isomer to support your answer”

• “State a suitable method (other than looking at dipole moments) to distinguish between the two isomers”
• “Compare and contrast the bonding types formed by nitrogen in [Pt(NH3 ) 2 Cl2 ]” (Paper 2)

Learning IB Chemistry online allows students to enjoy:

• Virtual Reality (VR) learning opportunities to immerse student in diagrams, models and other subject matter.
• Live, responsive teaching and feedback in small classes.
• 24/7 access to course resources and lessons, recorded and catalogued.
• High academic standards and levels of support.
• Positive learning culture and systems for communication.
• A flexible, international, high energy learning experience.
• Experienced, subject specialist teachers to both Standard and Higher level.