What is IB Chemistry?

Thinking about taking IB Chemistry? It’s a big decision, and it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement about the challenge and nerves about the difficulty.

The key thing to understand is that IB Chemistry is demanding. It is designed to make you think like a scientist. But with consistent effort, it becomes one of the most valuable subjects for preparing you for university and beyond.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know:

• The topics the IB Chemistry course covers

• How the exams and assessments work

• Study strategies that lead to success

An overview of IB Chemistry

IB Chemistry is the study of matter and the principles that govern its properties and transformations. At its core, it moves beyond the "what" of GCSE and IGCSE to the "why" and "how." It’s about understanding the world on a molecular level, from the energy stored in a battery to the complex reactions that make life possible.

You will study Chemistry at either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). Both are excellent courses. 

• SL provides a strong, comprehensive foundation.

• HL is an in-depth programme designed for students aiming for competitive STEM degrees like medicine or engineering.

What topics will you study in IB Chemistry?

The IB Chemistry syllabus (for first exams in 2025) is logically organised around two fundamental concepts:

1. Structure 

2. Reactivity

The core idea is that the structure of matter determines how it reacts, and chemical reactions in turn transform that structure.

Instead of a list of topics, you’ll explore how these two big ideas connect everything in chemistry. Practical and analytical skills are integrated throughout the entire course.

Part 1: Structure

This part of the course answers the question: "What is the world made of?"

• Structure 1: Models of the Particulate Nature of Matter

  • This covers the fundamentals:

    • What atoms are made of.

    • How we count them using the mole.

    • How they behave as particles in solids, liquids, and gases.

• Structure 2: Models of Bonding and Structure

  • This explores how and why atoms stick together, from the strong ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds to the weaker intermolecular forces between molecules.

• Structure 3: Classification of Matter

  • This is about organising knowledge.

  • You’ll study the Periodic Table to understand trends in elements, and learn how to classify organic compounds by their functional groups.

Part 2: Reactivity

This part of the course answers the question: "What do substances do?"

• Reactivity 1: What Drives Chemical Reactions?

  • This is the study of energy in chemistry (thermochemistry). You’ll investigate why exothermic reactions release heat and endothermic ones absorb it.

• Reactivity 2: How Much, How Fast and How Far?

  • This unit focuses on three key questions:

    • How much product is made? (Stoichiometry)

    • How fast is it made? (Kinetics)

    • How far does a reaction proceed? (Equilibrium)

• Reactivity 3: What Are the Mechanisms of Chemical Change?

  • You will delve into the step-by-step pathways of reactions, including:

    • The behaviour of acids and bases (Proton transfer)

    • Redox reactions (Electron transfer)

    • The fundamentals of organic reaction mechanisms.

Higher Level (HL) students study these same themes but in far greater mathematical and theoretical detail. HL also includes advanced concepts in topics like:

• Chemical bonding

• Thermodynamics

• Organic analytical techniques (such as NMR and IR spectroscopy).

How is IB Chemistry assessed?

The IB uses a combination of external exams and an internal project to assess your understanding.

External assessment (80% of your final grade)

The external assessment consists of two papers. This is an important update from the previous syllabus, which included a separate Paper 3.

• Paper 1: A mix of multiple-choice and data-based questions testing your knowledge across the entire syllabus. A calculator is allowed.

• Paper 2: Features longer, written-response questions. This paper tests your ability to apply knowledge, perform complex calculations, and explain chemical concepts clearly.

Both papers will include questions on practical work and data analysis. This is a big change from the old syllabus, so being confident with experimental skills is more important than ever.

The best way to understand the style of questions is to work through past papers. You can build your confidence and exam technique with our collection of IB Chemistry practice papers.

Internal assessment (IA) (20% of your final grade)

The IA is your chance to be a real scientist. It is an individual investigation on a topic of your choice, where you will:

• Develop a research question

• Design and carry out experiments

• Collect and analyse your data

• Write a formal report on your findings

This project develops critical thinking and research skills that universities value highly. (opens in a new tab)To (opens in a new tab) give an idea of what makes a great IA, we asked [Expert's Name], a former IB Chemistry teacher and examiner:

[Placeholder: Insert expert quote here. The quote could highlight the value of the IA, give examples of successful student projects, or offer a key piece of advice for choosing a topic.]

What skills will you develop in IB Chemistry?

Beyond the chemical knowledge, IB Chemistry is designed to build a set of transferable skills that are highly valued in university and future careers. You will learn to:

• Think critically: 

  • You will learn to form hypotheses, design logical experiments to test them, and draw conclusions based on solid evidence.

• Analyse data: 

  • The course will train you to interpret graphs, calculate uncertainties, and identify meaningful patterns in numerical information.

• Solve complex problems: 

  • You will strengthen your ability to tackle multi-step problems that require a systematic and logical approach.

• Communicate effectively: 

  • Through lab reports and explaining complex processes, you will develop the skill of presenting scientific findings clearly and concisely.

• Build laboratory confidence: 

  • Hands-on practical work will make you comfortable and competent with scientific equipment, techniques, and safety procedures.

These skills aren't just a by-product of the course; they are formally integrated into the syllabus through two key pillars: 

1. Tools 

2. The Inquiry Process.

Think of it this way: the scientific content is taught through the lens of Structure and Reactivity, while your scientific skills are developed using this framework.

What are the Tools of IB Chemistry?

These are the foundational practical and analytical skills you'll need to work as a scientist. The IB breaks this down into three areas:

Tool 1: Experimental Techniques: 

• Covering everything from safety and ethics to measuring variables and applying lab procedures.

Tool 2: Technology: 

• Focusing on using technology to collect and process data effectively.

Tool 3: Mathematics: 

• Ensuring you are confident with the quantitative side of chemistry, including units, uncertainties, and graphing.

What is the Inquiry Process in IB Chemistry?

This is the scientific method in action. It guides you through the stages of a scientific investigation, from asking good questions to drawing robust conclusions. It is structured as:

Inquiry 1: Exploring and Designing

• Learning how to develop a research question and design a sound experimental method.

Inquiry 2: Collecting and Processing Data: 

• The hands-on work of gathering and manipulating data into a meaningful format (e.g., tables and graphs).

Inquiry 3: Concluding and Evaluating: 

• Where you interpret your results, assess the limitations of your experiment, and communicate your findings.

How to succeed in IB Chemistry

Success in IB chemistry comes from consistent work and smart study habits, not last-minute cramming.

Understand the foundations first

Chemistry is like a pyramid; you need a solid base. Master Structure 1 (Atomic Structure), Structure 2 (Bonding), and the quantitative skills from Reactivity 2 (Stoichiometry) before moving on. These ideas appear in every other topic, understanding them is the key to predicting the properties and reactions of almost any substance.

Teacher’s tip: Create a weekly foundations routine

Spend 15 minutes a week reviewing the basics. 

For example, pick a random element from the Periodic Table and try to:

1. Write its electron configuration.

2. Predict the type of bonding it will form with another element (e.g., chlorine).

3. Predict one physical property of the resulting compound (e.g., high melting point).

This quick practice keeps the core concepts sharp and builds huge confidence for tackling tougher topics.

Learn through constant practice

Regular practice with exam-style questions is the single most effective way to prepare. It builds confidence and helps you get used to the way questions are asked.

When you get a question wrong, don't just move on. Make a note of the topic in an "error log". Over time, this log will reveal patterns in your understanding, creating a targeted revision list of your personal weak spots. Reviewing this list regularly is a powerful way to turn mistakes into marks.

Make your practical work count

Don’t just follow the instructions in your lab sessions. Actively think about why you are doing each step. The skills you learn in practical work are now tested directly in your final exams, e.g.:

• Handling equipment

• Controlling variables

• Analysing data

The more you connect the theory in your notes to the experiments in the lab, the better you will perform.

Use visual aids

Chemistry is full of abstract ideas. Making them visual can make them stick. 

• Mind maps, like the one below for alkenes, are a great way to see how concepts are linked.

• Draw diagrams of molecular structures and reaction mechanisms.

• Use digital or physical flashcards to memorise key definitions and equations.

• Create flow charts for complex processes, like identifying an unknown compound.

Is IB Chemistry the right choice for you?

This course is an excellent fit if you are a student who:

• Enjoys logical puzzles and problem-solving. 

  • At its heart, chemistry requires systematic thinking and mathematical reasoning to solve complex challenges.

• Is confident working with numbers. 

  • Much of the course involves quantitative work, from stoichiometry to complex equilibrium calculations.

• Feels comfortable in a laboratory setting. 

  • Practical work is a significant and compulsory part of the course, where you will conduct experiments independently.

• Is considering a science-focused degree. 

  • The course provides superb preparation for medicine, engineering, biochemistry, and related fields.

• Can manage a subject that builds over time. 

  • Concepts in chemistry are highly interconnected. Success requires consistent effort throughout the two years, not just last-minute cramming.

Frequently asked questions

Is IB chemistry hard?

IB chemistry is challenging, but most students find it manageable with a consistent approach. Its difficulty often depends on your learning style. If you enjoy logical problem-solving and applying mathematical rules to real-world systems, you may find it more intuitive than a subject like IB Biology, which requires more memorisation. The key is to build your understanding step-by-step rather than trying to learn everything at once.

For more information, read our dedicated “Is IB chemistry Hard?: A Teacher’s Perspective” article.

Do I need HL chemistry to study medicine?

Almost universally, yes. The vast majority of medical, dental, and veterinary science programmes worldwide list Higher Level Chemistry as a non-negotiable prerequisite. It provides the essential foundation for biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology at university. While you might find a rare exception, choosing not to take HL Chemistry would close the door to nearly every top medical school.

Can I take HL chemistry without HL maths?

Yes, this is a common and perfectly viable subject combination. However, you should be aware that HL chemistry is mathematically demanding. Students who take SL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches are generally better prepared for the quantitative side of the course than those taking SL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation. The Analysis and Approaches content aligns more closely with the calculations needed in topics like kinetics and thermodynamics.

What are the main changes in the new syllabus?

The new syllabus (first assessed in 2025) removed Paper 3. This means the course is now assessed with just two external papers, with practical skills integrated into both.

Is a calculator allowed in paper 1?

Yes, calculators are now allowed in Paper 1. You are also permitted to use the official IB Chemistry data booklet (opens in a new tab) in both exams.

Can I work with a friend on my internal assessment, IA?

Yes, the IB allows for collaboration, but with clear rules.

You can: 

• Discuss ideas

• Plan a method

• Collect data together in the lab.

You must: 

• Submit a report that is 100% your own work. 

• This includes your own unique research question, data processing, analysis, and conclusion. 

• Group reports are not allowed.

Final Thoughts

IB chemistry is a demanding course, but it is one that repays the effort many times over. You will emerge not just with a qualification, but with a new way of seeing the world and the intellectual toolkit to succeed in any challenging academic environment. It is a commitment to excellence and a definitive step towards a future at the forefront of science and innovation.

To succeed, you need to build strong study habits from the start. Don’t forget online resources, either. Save My Exams is packed with tools designed to support your learning across the IB Diploma Programme. You can:

• Review key topics with our revision notes

• Practise targeted questions using exam questions

• Test your recall with digital flashcards

• Work through full practice papers and mock exams

Building a habit of using these tools will give you a real advantage. That’s what smart preparation looks like.

References

• International Baccalaureate. (2023). Diploma Programme Chemistry guide (first assessment 2025).