This document outlines the requirements for the DP Chemistry course, including 11 required topics, 2 optional topics, and a mathematics component. Assessment is both external (76%), consisting of 3 exam papers, and internal (24%), based on practical work. External exams cover multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions on required and optional topics. Internal assessment requires a minimum of 60 hours of hands-on investigation and written reports assessed on design, data collection, and evaluation. Chemistry fulfills a core requirement of the IB Diploma and provides a foundation for further education and understanding of the physical world.

1. DP Choices

2. The topics that are required study are:
1.Quantitative chemistry
2.Atomic structure
3.Periodicity
4.Bonding
5.Energetics
6.Kinetics
7.Equilibrium
8.Acids and bases
9.Oxidation and reduction
10.Organic chemistry
11.Measurement and data processing

3. In addition, 2 option topics are required
study from the following selection:
A.Modern analytical chemistry
B.Human biochemistry
C.Chemistry in industry and technology
D.Medicine and drugs
E.Environmental chemistry
F.Food chemistry
G.Further organic chemistry

4. There is also a mathematics
component to the course that is
assessed.
You will need a graphical
calculator.

5. How will I be taught?
Instruction is dependent on many factors
but will range from direct instruction to
collaborative activities to independent
inquiry.
A lot of information must be learned
within a short period of time so the pace
is rapid.
It is important to be organized and self-
directed.

6. How will I be assessed?
Assessment is external and internal.
External assessment is based on test
performance and accounts for 76% of
the final grade.
Internal assessment is based on
practical work and accounts for 24% of
the final grade.

7. External assessment for the IB Diploma is divided into 3
separate exams called Papers.
• Paper 1 is 1 hour with 40 multiple choice questions on
the required topics.
• It is 20% of the final mark.
• Paper 2 is 2 hour 15 minutes with data-based/short-
answer questions and extended-response questions in 2
sections on the required topics.
• It is 36% / 32% of the final mark.
• Paper 3 is a 1 hour 15 minutes with short-answer
questions on each of the 2 option topics.
• It is 20% / 24% of the final mark.

8. Internal assessment requires a
minimum of 60 / 40 hours of hands-on
investigation, excluding write-up time,
and a minimum number of assessed
pieces of work.

9. Written reports on practical work are
assessed according to 3 prescribed
assessment criteria:
• Design – 6% of the final mark
• Data collection and processing– 6% of
the final mark
• Conclusion and evaluation– 6% of the
final mark
A minimum of 2 assessed pieces of work
per criterion are required.

10. Chemistry is in Group 4 of the IB Diploma
Programme and fulfils 1 of its requirements.
It is important for entrance and placement in
post-secondary institutions.
It provides a fundamental basis for
understanding the physical world.
It is intellectually engaging and enjoyable.