IB Chemistry SL & HL — frequently asked questions
What is in IB Chemistry HL but not SL?
HL includes additional depth in organic chemistry (nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic addition, condensation reactions), energetics (Hess cycles, Born-Haber), spectroscopy (NMR), and electrochemistry. HL students also have Paper 3 which tests the chosen option topic and experimental skills.
What are the IB Chemistry option topics?
The four options are: A (Materials), B (Biochemistry), C (Energy), D (Medicinal Chemistry). Most schools offer B (Biochemistry) or D (Medicinal Chemistry). Confirm which option your school delivers.
How is the IB Chemistry Internal Assessment graded?
The IA is an individual investigation worth 20% of the final grade. It is marked on: personal engagement, exploration, analysis, evaluation and communication. Choosing a research question with a clear, measurable dependent variable is the most important first step.