As an experimental science, the Diploma Programme (DP) physics course requires not only a theoretical and practical understanding of the subject, but also an awareness of how physicists construct knowledge claims and the limitations of these method. Studying physics offers numerous benefits and opens a wide range of opportunities for further studies.
Chemistry helps explain the properties and behavior of matter, which is fundamental to understanding the world around us. The DP chemistry course therefore emphasizes the development of representative models and explanatory theories, both of which rely heavily on creative but rational thinking.
Through studying DP chemistry, students will become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other and of the ethical debates and limitations of creative scientific endeavour.
Chemistry is often called the central science as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. It is therefore often a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, environmental science and engineering.
Nature of science
Nature of science is an overarching theme in the DP biology, chemistry, physics and sports, exercise and health science courses which aims to cultivate critical thinking, enabling students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize scientific information while appreciating the limitations and possibilities of science in addressing global challenges.
Syllabus
The chemistry curriculum is built on two organizing concepts: structure and reactivity, which are connected through the idea that structure determines reactivity, which in turn transforms structure.
|
Skills in the study of chemistry |
|
|
Structure Structure refers to the nature of matter from simple to more complex forms |
Reactivity Reactivity refers to how and why chemical reactions occur |
|
Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter |
Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions? |
|
Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure |
Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far? |
|
Structure 3. Classification of matter |
Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change? |
Practical work
Practical work is central aspect of the DP chemistry course allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the subject content and associated concepts. It provides opportunities to develop a wide range of practical and investigative skills and to collaborate with peers. It presents students with the opportunity to experience a wide range of tasks, from closed to open inquiry, and from hands-on experimentation through to the use of simulations and modelling, incorporating technology where appropriate. The practical approach to the course delivery culminates in the interdisciplinary collaborative sciences project, that addresses real-world problems that can be explored through the range of subjects in the sciences group, and the scientific investigation, an assessed independent research paper.
Chemistry subject brief
Subject briefs are short two-page documents providing an outline of the course. Read the standard level (SL) and/or higher level (HL) subject brief below.
|
|
Latest curriculum updates
This subject is reviewed by the IB regularly to ensure the latest educational research is applied. Please keep up to date with the latest subject updates for Chemistry.
