Is IB chemistry Hard?: A Teacher’s Perspective

This is a question I’ve been asked time and time again by students in Year 11 considering their IB diploma options: Is Chemistry too difficult? Choosing IB subjects can feel like a big decision. Particularly, when many schools for a student's final choices mid-year to help with time tabling and planning.

As a Chemistry teacher with over 15 years of experience, I’m passionate about the subject. I would love to see more students choose it. But subject selection isn’t just about passion. It’s about making informed choices based on your interests, strengths, and future goals.

If you're aiming for medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, engineering, or natural sciences, Higher Level Chemistry is often required or strongly recommended. In these cases, it’s key to keep university options open. 

Even if you’re unsure of your future path, Chemistry can still be an excellent choice. It offers academic value and teaches you how to think clearly, solve problems, and understand the world around you.

Chemistry has a reputation for being “too hard,” but that view is often driven by fear, not facts. With the right approach, good support, and a curious mindset, IB Chemistry isn’t just manageable. It can be deeply enjoyable and incredibly useful far beyond school.

So, Is IB Chemistry Hard?

While SL sciences can be tough, students who enjoy the subject and are willing to put in the effort can absolutely succeed, especially at HL.

The graph below uses data from the (opens in a new tab)Diploma Programme and Career-Related Programme statistical bulletins (opens in a new tab) over the past two years. It shows that Higher Level (HL) subjects usually have higher average grades than their Standard Level (SL) counterparts.

Mean grades for selected IB subjects across three exam sessions (November 2023, May 2024, and November 2024), showing consistently higher performance in HL subjects and notable challenges in SL sciences, particularly Chemistry SL.

Subjects like Psychology HL, Geography HL, and Economics HL often achieve mean grades above 5. In contrast, the sciences at SL, especially Chemistry SL, Physics SL, and Biology SL, tend to have the lowest average scores across all sessions. Chemistry SL consistently stands out as one of the most challenging IB subjects, with average grades around 4.0.

Still, the data shows that top marks are possible. In the November 2024 session, 11.8% of students earned a grade 7 in Chemistry SL. That compares favourably with 8.9% in Physics SL and only 3.9% in History SL. Chemistry HL performs even better overall, with mean grades of 5.3–5.4. This suggests that students who take HL Chemistry are often well-prepared and highly motivated.

What Makes IB Chemistry Difficult?

IB Chemistry is a complex and detailed subject. There are several reasons why students may find it challenging. The content is broad, with topics ranging from atomic structure to thermodynamics. It also requires regular use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. But these challenges are part of the learning process, and they can be overcome with the right strategies.

Understanding the depth of the content

One major challenge is the breadth and depth of the syllabus. Topics span atomic theory, periodic trends, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and organic chemistry. Each unit builds on the last. So, if you miss key foundations, later topics can become harder to master.

For example, Models of Bonding & Structure covers the ionic, covalent and metallic models. A 5 mark question could be:

Ethene, C2H4, and hydrazine, N2H4, are hydrides of adjacent elements in the periodic table. 

State and explain the H一C一H bond angle in ethene and the H一N一H bond angle in hydrazine.

These types of questions are not recall questions. They test your ability to apply key ideas in unfamiliar contexts.

The calculations and problem-solving

IB Chemistry also has a heavy emphasis on calculations and mathematical concepts. This can feel overwhelming for students who aren’t confident with maths. The best way to approach these problems is to break them down step by step.

For example, here’s a typical IB-style question involving the pH of a strong alkali:

What is the pH of a 0.05 mol dm^-3 NaOH solution?

Step 1: Write the dissociation equation for NaOH

NaOH (aq) → Na⁺ (aq) + OH⁻ (aq)

Thus, the concentration of OH^- is 0.05 mol dm⁻³

Step 2:  Use K_w to find [H⁺]

K_w = [H⁺] [OH^-] = 1.00 x 10^-14

[H⁺] 0.05  = 1.00 x 10^-14

[H⁺] = 

1.00 10-140.05

= 2.00 x 10^-13

Step 3: Calculate the pH

pH = −log[H⁺] 

pH = −log(2 x 10^-13) 

pH = 12.70

Working through each step carefully helps you avoid mistakes and understand how different concepts connect. A structured approach makes it easier to spot errors and fix them. It also reduces anxiety by breaking the problem into manageable parts.

Abstract concepts

Many concepts in IB Chemistry are abstract and need imaginative thinking. The strong emphasis on theory can make it difficult for students to visualise complex ideas.

For example, organic reaction mechanisms describe how molecules interact at the molecular level. But they can be challenging to picture.

Take the nucleophilic substitution mechanism, which is studied at both SL and HL. In the SL course, a nucleophile, such as the hydroxide ion (OH-) replaces a leaving group (like Cl-) on a carbon atom. This is the general pattern seen in many substitution reactions.

General mechanism for nucleophilic substitution, where :Nu⁻ is used to represent the nucleophile

General SL mechanism:

• The hydroxide ion (OH⁻) approaches a carbon atom bonded to a halide.

• It donates a lone pair to form a new bond with the carbon.

• The halide ion (Cl⁻) leaves, completing the substitution.

In the HL course, this mechanism is explored in more detail through the S_N1 and S_N2 reaction pathways. For example, consider the S_N1 reaction of a tertiary halogenoalkane.

The mechanism of nucleophilic substitution in 2-bromo-2-methylpropane, a tertiary halogenoalkane.

HL S_N1 mechanism example:

• The C–Cl bond breaks first, forming a stable tertiary carbocation.

• The hydroxide ion (OH⁻) then attacks the carbocation.

• The final product is 2-methyl-2-propanol, a tertiary alcohol.

This example shows how visualising electron movement requires a strong conceptual grasp.

1. Initial formation of a carbocation

2. Then attack by a nucleophile

Without diagrams or step-by-step models, the process can seem intangible. With practice and visual aids, abstract concepts like this can be easier to understand.

How to Overcome the Challenges of IB Chemistry

Now that we’ve explored some of the IB Chemistry challenges, let’s focus on strategies to help you overcome them. As a teacher, I’ve seen many students go from struggling to excelling. The key to their success always comes down to their approach.

1. Develop a Strong Study Routine

A solid study routine is essential to mastering IB Chemistry. When you encounter a challenging topic, don't let it overwhelm you. Instead, break it down into smaller, more manageable sections.

Start with the basics. Make sure you understand the foundational concepts before tackling more advanced material. For example, if you're finding energetics difficult, begin by:

• Reviewing simple ideas like endothermic and exothermic reactions

• Interpreting enthalpy level diagrams.

Once you're confident with those, move on to more complex tasks like calculating enthalpy changes using bond enthalpy or Hess’s Law.

Use a variety of resources to strengthen your understanding. Visual aids like diagrams and flashcards are particularly helpful for abstract concepts. Diagrams are especially useful in organic chemistry to visualise the movement of electrons.

Additionally, create a timetable that allocates specific time slots for different topics. Consistency is key, set aside time each day for revision. Even 25 minutes a day using the Pomodoro technique can help you stay on top of the course and avoid cramming.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

IB Chemistry rewards active problem-solving. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll become, especially with calculations.

Work through past exam papers, practice questions, and problem sets regularly. This reinforces your understanding but improves your exam technique. Practice our mock papers under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment and develop your time management.

Don't just focus on the questions you get wrong; review the ones you answered correctly as well. This will help you identify any gaps in your knowledge and ensure you truly understand the material.

3. Get Help When You Need It

You’re not expected to know everything on your own. It is okay to be stuck, and ask for help when you're stuck.

If you're struggling with a topic, you can reach out for help from a teacher, tutor, or a study group. Talking through tricky concepts often makes them easier to grasp. And remember, Save My Exams is here to support your revision.

4. Stay Positive and Be Patient

Above all, stay positive and be patient with yourself. Chemistry is a challenging subject, and it’s normal to find some topics challenging. What matters most is maintaining a positive mindset and your persistence. These will guide you to success.

Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep going, believe in your ability to improve, and trust that your persistence and hard work will pay off.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard Is It to Get a Top Grade in IB Chemistry?

Getting a top grade in IB Chemistry, whether that’s a 6 or 7, is a major achievement. It shows strong subject knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge under real exam pressure.

Success in Chemistry requires more than memorising definitions or equations. To earn a high grade, you need to:

• Explain your reasoning clearly and concisely

• Use specific scientific terms correctly

• Show methodical working in calculations

• Apply your knowledge to unfamiliar situations

Even small mistakes in explanation, notation, or structure can make the difference between full marks and a dropped grade.

IB Chemistry assessments test a wide range of skills:

SL

• Paper 1; 55 marks, 1 hr 30 minute, 36% weighting

  • Paper 1A: Multiple choice questions

  • Paper 1B: Data based questions

• Paper 2; 50 marks, 1 hr 30 minutes, 44% weighting

  • Short answer and extended-response questions

• Internal assessment; 24 marks, 10 hours, 20% weighting

  • Scientific investigation

HL

• Paper 1; 75 marks, 2 hrs, 36% weighting

  • Paper 1A: Multiple choice questions

  • Paper 1B: Data based questions

• Paper 2; 90 marks, 2 hr 30 minutes, 44% weighting

  • Short answer and extended-response questions

• Internal assessment; 24 marks, 10 hours, 20% weighting

  • Scientific investigation

High-grade students aren’t strong in one area. They show consistency across recall, application, data handling, and reasoning.

Grade boundaries 

The official grade boundaries for IB Chemistry in the May 2024 examination session are published by the International (opens in a new tab)Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) (opens in a new tab). These indicate the minimum scores required to achieve each grade level. Boundaries may shift each year depending on the difficulty of the exam.

May 2024 IB Chemistry Grade Boundaries

Standard Level (SL) – Max = 100 marks

• Grade 7: 74–100

• Grade 6: 62–73

• Grade 5: 50–61

• Grade 4: 39–49

• Grade 3: 26–38

• Grade 2: 15–25

• Grade 1: 0–14

Higher Level (HL) – Max = 100 marks

• Grade 7: 75–100

• Grade 6: 67–74

• Grade 5: 54–66

• Grade 4: 40–53

• Grade 3: 25–39

• Grade 2: 12–24

• Grade 1: 0–11

These boundaries reflect the IBO’s high standards and highlight the challenge of earning top marks in IB Chemistry.

Is IB Chemistry Hard to Pass?

IB Chemistry has a reputation for being one of the tougher IB subjects—but with good reason. It builds real-world problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of how the world works.

Standard Level (SL) has slightly lower average grades than some other subjects. But passing is entirely achievable if you:

• Stay organised

• Practise regularly

• Seek help when needed.

With the right support and study habits, you can succeed.

Is IB Chemistry a Good Option for Me?

Whether you choose Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), IB Chemistry is an excellent option for students interested in fields like medicine, environmental science, or engineering.

HL tends to have higher average grades and suits students who enjoy digging into how things work at the atomic and molecular level. SL offers a strong foundation in core concepts and essential skills.

Both levels help you build:

• Logical thinking

• Data interpretation

• The ability to explain complex ideas 

The skills you develop in IB Chemistry are highly valued and can give you a significant advantage in your future academic and professional pursuits.

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References

The IB Diploma Programme and Career-Related Programme Final Statistical Bulletin (opens in a new tab) 

IB Grade boundaries May 2024 (opens in a new tab) 

Chemistry in the DP (opens in a new tab)