Course overview
The critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and laboratory techniques acquired in Chemistry IB provide a strong foundation for future studies in chemistry and chemistry-related fields. Students will be well-equipped to pursue careers in chemical, biological or environmental sciences, healthcare or engineering, where their expertise and knowledge will be highly valued.
Chemistry IB is designed for students seeking a thorough exploration of chemistry as a core requirement or a general elective. It welcomes students from various academic programs who are passionate about delving deeper into the fascinating world of chemical sciences. The course content is designed to build upon SACE Stage 2 Chemistry (or an equivalent).
Upon completion of Chemistry IB, students will have a deep understanding of chemical thermodynamics and its relationship to equilibrium. Students will expand their knowledge of reaction kinetics and redox processes, including their application to leading-edge batteries. They will be able to identify stereoisomers, explain addition and substitution reactions and devise synthetic routes to synthesize new and novel materials. Furthermore, students will advance their understanding of amino acids, their chemical behaviour and bonding within peptides.
Face-to-face on-campus delivery allows for hands-on experimentation, enabling students to develop proficiency in common chemistry laboratory techniques. Collaborative discussions, group work, and problem-solving exercises in workshops will enhance their understanding of key topics and foster a sense of teamwork. Assessment activities include practical laboratory reports, concept-based assignments, quizzes, and examinations. By successfully completing these assessments, students will demonstrate their ability to apply chemical concepts to real-world scenarios and solve complex problems.
Course learning outcomes
- Develop critical thinking and enhance their problem solving ability
- Discuss the principles of scientific methodology and collaborative work
- Describe and apply the concept of chemical equilibrium and how it reacts to changes in reaction conditions to various situations
- Describe and apply the basic principles of chemical thermodynamics
- Describe the basic principles of reaction kinetics and identify redox processes and their application to Galvanic cells and batteries
- Describe the application of stereoisomerism to carbon-containing compounds
- Define and apply the principles of electrophilic addition reactions, electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions and SN1 and SN2 reactions
- Define and apply the principles of carbon-carbon bond formation and devise a synthesis of a given material based on use of the three Reaction Summaries ( Roadmaps )
- Describe the structural types and chemical behaviour of amino acids and bonding within peptides
- Demonstrate proficiency in common chemistry laboratory techniques.