Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry at IB SL and HL provides students with a good deal of depth and breadth in advanced Chemistry. As one of the three natural sciences in the IB Diploma Programme, chemistry is primarily concerned with identifying patterns that allow us to explain matter at the microscopic level. This then allows us to predict and control matter’s behaviour at a macroscopic level. The subject therefore emphasises the development of representative models and explanatory theories, both of which rely heavily on creative but rational thinking. Given the pattern-seeking nature of chemistry, the development of generalised rules and principles also plays an important part in knowledge production, as do the concrete statements provided by mathematical laws.