Chemistry

Course summary

The course aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and ethical minds. Through studying Chemistry pupils gain a thorough understanding of a wide range of aspects of Chemistry and also become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. Wherever possible the course draws upon environmental and technological contexts, and identifies the social, moral and economic effects of science. Both the Standard and Higher Level courses cover atomic structure and bonding, quantitative chemistry and errors, periodicity, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, organic chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and chemistry in industry and technology. In addition to this, all pupils will also study one optional topic (usually Energy or Biochemistry). At Higher Level, pupils will further their learning through extension work on each of the topics above. In order to develop aspects of critical thinking and to instill the principles of scientific enquiry, pupils at SL will be required to complete and write up a minimum of 20 hours of practical activity, while those opting for HL will carry out a minimum of 40 hours.