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IB Chemistry HL - 2024

As its name suggests, IB Chemistry at Higher Level is an advanced high school course examining first-year university-level chemistry concepts. It is catered to highly skilled students who are passionate about chemistry and are interested in building solid foundations for potential careers in the scientific, medical, environmental, and related fields.

Course Structure and Content

IB Chemistry HL consists of 21 topics: 11 core topics combined with 10 Additional Higher Level (AHL) topics. The topics include Stoichiometric Relationships, Atomic Structure, Periodicity, Chemical Bonding & Structure, Energetics/thermochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids & Bases, Redox Processes, Organic Chemistry, and Measurement & Data Processing.

In addition, the program offers four Options, of which each student chooses one: Materials, Biochemistry, Energy, and Medicinal Chemistry. In the Higher Level course, students are expected to study extension material of a more challenging nature within the chosen Option. Through this well-rounded syllabus, HL students can explore the complexities of chemistry concepts, enhancing their analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

As in the SL course, students in the Higher Level program sit for three examination papers. Forty multiple-choice questions form paper 1. Various short-answer and extended-response questions worth 90 marks constitute the paper 2 exam. Both papers aim to assess the student's understanding of core and higher level material, as well as their ability to apply the concepts learned throughout their academic studies.

Finally, paper 3 consists of 45 marks on questions covering the core, AHL, and option material. Section A comprises one data-based and several short-answer questions on experimental work. Section B includes short-answer and extended-response questions from a chosen option.

New Science Syllabus

At Revision Village, we constantly update you on the latest developments in the IB world. Get ready for a new syllabus coming our way! Although structured differently, the new syllabus still holds many of the current syllabus content and skills. The options are removed, but much of the prior optional material is now embedded in the core or higher level curriculum. Questions tailored to the new syllabus will soon be available on the RV website!

Tips for Success

  1. Understand and don't memorize! Your decision to take HL Chemistry indicates that you must have a remarkable interest in this subject, and be keen to understand the underlying chemistry principles rather than only committing them to memory! Go beyond and initiate making connections between learned concepts and real-life situations. Grasping the ‘how’ and ‘why,’ instead of simply recalling facts, will ensure a fruitful, rewarding, and passion-driven journey in your academic endeavor.
  2. Keep practicing! The ultimate way to evaluate your understanding is through consistent practice. Exposing yourself to various question types, content, and difficulty levels will prepare you and give you the confidence to ace your IB exams!
  3. Time management! Studying an HL course can become overwhelming at some point. Therefore, organize your time effectively, build a studying schedule, and try to stick to it as much as possible! Remember to include many breaks and reward your hard work with a fun activity that makes you happy!

How does RV help maximize your academic results?

As an HL student, we understand and acknowledge the commitment you have made to yourself to achieve the best results possible. Revision Village provides the highest quality tools to ensure that you achieve a 7 on your exams! Our materials will allow you to address all your needs, and allow for a tailored revision experience.

Our Questionbank is designed to prepare you for all of the content covered in the examinations. As an HL student, you can focus on solving complex and challenging questions. They will allow you to think outside the box and push you out of your comfort zone into new, unfamiliar situations. You can access Key Concepts and video solutions to enhance your comprehension of the material. You can test yourself on a specific challenging topic or subtopic for even better understanding. Our mock and prediction exams give you a feel of the actual IB Exam and, therefore, are a very effective method to practice. Finally, the revision ladder is the ultimate challenge! We constructed it in increasing complexity aiming to consolidate your understanding and allow you to become independent, engaged learners in the future!

More IB Chemistry Resources