Course overview
The knowledge and skills acquired in Foundations of Chemistry IB provide a strong foundation for future studies in chemistry and chemistry-related fields, including biological and environmental sciences, healthcare and engineering. It provides students with a strong foundation for pursuing careers in research or industry, where their understanding of chemical principles and laboratory techniques will be highly valued.
Foundations of Chemistry IB course is designed for students seeking a solid foundation in chemistry, whether as a core requirement or a general elective. It accommodates students from various academic programs who are eager to develop a thorough understanding of chemical principles and their real-world applications. The course content is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in Foundations of Chemistry IA.
Upon completion of Foundations of Chemistry IB, students will understand redox processes and their application to batteries. Students will gain an understanding of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics and their importance in various scientific fields. In addition, students will develop their knowledge of organic compounds and their importance in materials, medicine and biological processes.
Face-to-face on-campus delivery provides opportunities for interactive lectures, hands-on laboratory experiments, and engaging discussions. Collaborative discussions, group work, and problem-solving exercises in workshops will enhance their understanding of key topics and foster a sense of teamwork. Assessments activities may include quizzes, laboratory reports, assignments, and examinations. By successfully completing these assessments, students will demonstrate their ability to apply chemical knowledge to solve problems and communicate scientific ideas effectively.
Course learning outcomes
- Develop critical thinking and problem solving ability
- Discuss the processes of scientific methodology and collaborative work
- Systematically name simple organic compounds
- Recognise the structure and properties of the different classes of organic functional groups
- Apply knowledge of the structure of the Periodic Table to describe trends in the properties of the elements
- Recognise reduction/oxidation reactions and balance these equations under acidic conditions
- Describe and explain the basic principles of chemical thermodynamics
- Define and discuss the basic principles of reaction kinetics and the factors that affect reaction rates
- Demonstrate proficiency in common chemistry laboratory techniques