IB Chemistry Resources

Our IB Chemistry resources include core resources: videos, notes, definitions, flashcards, questions, cram sheets, and tests. We also have a range of useful resources: syllabi, exam breakdown, IA resources, and command terms.

IB Chemistry Core Resources

IB Chemistry Useful Resources

IB Chemistry Course Structure & Content

The IB chemistry course is divided into Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), with both levels offering a rich exploration of chemistry through theoretical and practical components. The curriculum is organized around a core syllabus, organised into 6 topics. HL students cover additional detail within the topics as well as an “option” topic in their second year.

The core chemistry syllabus encompasses a broad range of topics: Models of Particulate Matter, Models of Bonding & Structure, Classification of Matter, What Drives Chemical Reactions, How Much, Fast & Far, and Mechanisms of Chemical Change. HL IB chemistry students explore these topics in greater depth. In total SL students study 6 topics and HL students are the same. HL chemistry students are then able to choose one of 4 option topics to study, taken as a separate exam: Materials, Biochemistry, Energy, and Medicinal Chemistry. This decision is commonly elected by the class teacher, but students have the freedom to choose to answer any section in the exam.

IB Chemistry Coursework & Exams

During their period of study, chemistry students undertake an individual investigation called the Internal Assessment (IA). Students create an original research question with the assistance of their teacher and proceed to investigate and produce a 20-page report, including an introduction, methodology, analysis, and conclusion. It contributes 20% of the final IB chemistry grade.

The final assessment for IB chemistry consists of 3 external examinations. The exams are: Paper 1 (multiple-choice questions), Paper 2 (short answer and extended response), and Paper 3 (options and data-based questions). SL chemistry students have fewer questions in Paper 1 and a shorter Paper 2 compared to HL chemistry students.

IB Chemistry Tips For Success

  1. Start Early: The IB chemistry course includes many topics, each with a great deal of content. Unlike most prior education to the IB, you can’t leave things until last minute. It is vital you have reliable resources from the get-go.
  2. Understand Core Concepts: Focus on understanding the fundamental principles and concepts rather than memorizing endless facts. Our videos aim to ensure you can grasp the IB content early in your chemistry course.
  3. Reinforce Regularly: Ensuring you review your IB chemistry knowledge regularly is important to solidify long-term memory. Utilise a range of resources such as notes, flashcards, questions, cram sheets, and tests. Out site contains all these resources, fully aligned, in one place.
  4. Analyse Your Performance: Reflecting on your progress is key to driving success in IB chemistry. Tiber Tutor offers the most comprehensive and advanced analytics dashboard to hone study efforts to target your weakest areas.
  5. Stay Organised: Develop a study schedule that allocates time for each chemistry topic, ensuring you cover the entire syllabus well before the IB exams. Using a Syllabus checklist can give you a clear overview of your areas to cover, just like the one built into the Tiber Tutor site.
  6. Engage: The IB is a time to make friends and enjoy life outside of your chemistry studies. However, don't get distracted in lessons or disregard your IA. There is lots to cover and you need to stay focused!

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