Introduction
Aims
The aims of the syllabus, common to both levels, are:
- To stimulate and sustain students' interest in, and enjoyment of, chemistry
- To provide a relevant course for those students who will complete their study of chemistry at this level
- To provide a foundation course in chemistry for those students who will continue their studies in chemistry or in related subjects
- To encourage an appreciation of the scientific, social, economic, environmental and technological aspects of chemistry and an understanding of the historical development of chemistry
- To illustrate generally how humanity has benefited from the study and practice of chemistry
- To develop an appreciation of scientific method and rational thought
- To develop skills in laboratory procedures and techniques, carried out with due regard for safety, together with the ability to assess the uses and limitations of these procedures
- To develop skills of observation, analysis, evaluation, communication and problemsolving.
Structure of the Syllabus
The syllabus consists of a core and options. Each option is an expansion of material that is contained in the core. The entire Ordinary level syllabus is presented first, followed by the entire Higher level syllabus. In both cases, an expanded syllabus format has been adopted.
The syllabus is presented in four columns, giving
(i) the content
(ii) the depth of treatment
(iii) suitable activities
(iv) references to relevant social and applied aspects, where appropriate.
The third column includes mandatory experiments (twenty-one for Ordinary level and twenty-eight for Higher level). These are numbered in order, within sections, and each experiment has the same number in the Ordinary level syllabus as in the Higher level syllabus.
The format in which the syllabus is presented does not imply any particular order of teaching. Teaching strategies should promote, in a positive manner, the aims and objectives of the syllabus.
The syllabus consists of approximately 70% pure chemistry; the remaining 30% deals with the social and applied aspects of chemistry. All material within the syllabus is examinable.
The syllabus is designed for 180 hours of class contact time (the equivalent of 270 class periods of 40 minutes each, or five class periods per week). A specific number of class periods for each sub-section of the syllabus is recommended. At Ordinary level, 187 class periods in total are recommended for all the specific sub-sections of the syllabus; the remaining 83 class periods may be used for supplementary work, including revision. At Higher level, 258 class periods in total are recommended for all the specific subsections of the syllabus, including time for revision.
The remaining 12 class periods may be used for supplementary work, including further revision. These specifications are intended only to indicate the approximate amount of time needed.
Practical Work
In all experimental work, safety should be a major concern. Safety equipment, such as fume cupboards, safety glasses and pipette fillers, should be used where appropriate. The mandatory experiments included in the syllabus must be carried out by the students. An adequate record of their practical work must be retained for the period of the course. In addition, the students' practical work should be supplemented by teacher demonstrations where indicated throughout the syllabus. There should be an appreciation of the errors inherent in an experiment and of the precautions that can be taken to reduce such errors.
Students will be given full recognition for carrying out mandatory experiments using computer interfacing and other modern methods of computeraided technology. However, this is not obligatory.
Differentiation between Ordinary level and Higher level
There are two main differences between Ordinary level and Higher level:
- Range of topics
All the Ordinary level material, except mandatory experiment 4.2A in the Ordinary level syllabus (see page 14), forms part of the Higher level syllabus. The Higher level syllabus contains additional material. Ordinary level students will study one option from 1A, 1B, 2A, or 2B. Higher level students must study, in their entirety, either Option 1 or Option 2. - Depth of treatment
The Ordinary level syllabus provides an overview of chemistry and its applications to everyday life. At Higher level, a deeper and more quantitative treatment of chemistry is required.
Assessment
The syllabus will be assessed in relation to its objectives. All material within the syllabus is examinable. Practical work is an integral part of the study of chemistry; it will initially be assessed through the medium of the written examination paper. An element of practical assessment may be included as part of the overall assessment at a later stage.