Group 4: ScienceSL AvailableHL Available

IB Chemistry

Study of matter, reactions, and molecular structures with practical applications.

IB Chemistry provides students with a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles, from atomic structure to organic chemistry. The course emphasizes experimental work, data analysis, and the application of chemistry to real-world problems including environmental and industrial contexts. The current course was first assessed in 2025.

SL & HL
Levels offered
90 min
One-to-one lessons
$95
Lowest rate per lesson
Max 6
IB group programs
Prices and optionsRequest a tutor
Whiteboard in an IB Chemistry HL lesson on bonding and structure: ionic bonding drawn as electron transfer forming sodium chloride, covalent bonding as a bent water dot structure, and the mole ratio read off the balanced equation 2H2 plus O2 gives 2H2O.
From a live online one-to-one IB Chemistry HL lesson at the TestPrep Group
Course Introduction

Why Chemistry Matters

Your grade in IB Chemistry counts toward the 45-point Diploma, and many university courses ask for a particular grade in the subject, often at Higher Level.

Essential for medicine, pharmacy, and life sciences
Develops analytical and laboratory skills
Foundation for understanding biochemistry
Opens doors to diverse STEM careers
Whiteboard in an IB Chemistry SL lesson: covalent bonding drawn as two hydrogen atoms sharing electrons to form a molecule, and stoichiometry worked from the balanced equation 2H2 plus O2 gives 2H2O through a four-step method for calculating amounts.
Standard Level
SL Overview

SL covers fundamental chemistry including stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, and equilibrium in 150 hours.

Higher Level
HL Overview

HL adds further content within the same Structure and Reactivity topics, such as entropy and spontaneity, in 240 teaching hours.

Career Pathways

MedicinePharmacyBiochemistryChemical EngineeringEnvironmental ScienceForensicsMaterials ScienceResearch

Chemistry syllabus topics

The topics of the subject guide. Lessons follow your school's order and level.

Unit S1
Structure 1: Models of the Particulate Nature of Matter
  • The nuclear atom
  • Electron configurations
  • The mole
  • Ideal gases
Unit S2
Structure 2: Models of Bonding and Structure
  • The ionic model
  • The covalent model
  • The metallic model
  • From models to materials
Unit S3
Structure 3: Classification of Matter
  • The periodic table: classification of elements
  • Functional groups: classification of organic compounds
Unit R1
Reactivity 1: What Drives Chemical Reactions?
  • Measuring enthalpy change
  • Energy cycles in reactions
  • Energy from fuels
  • Entropy and spontaneity (HL)
Unit R2
Reactivity 2: How Much, How Fast and How Far?
  • The amount of chemical change
  • The rate of chemical change
  • The extent of chemical change
Unit R3
Reactivity 3: What Are the Mechanisms of Chemical Change?
  • Proton transfer reactions
  • Electron transfer reactions
  • Electron sharing reactions
  • Electron-pair sharing reactions

How lessons approach Chemistry

Understanding the concepts, and answering the papers the way the markscheme rewards.

Conceptual Understanding
Deep mastery of core concepts
  • Master stoichiometry as foundation for all calculations
  • Understand bonding concepts thoroughly
  • Connect structure to properties systematically
  • Practice balancing equations daily
Exam-Specific Techniques
Targeted preparation for IB assessments
  • Learn data booklet contents thoroughly
  • Practice multi-step calculations
  • Master organic reaction mechanisms
  • Focus on SI units and significant figures

Past papers and markschemes

IB Chemistry past papers with markschemes, used in lessons alongside the questions from your own school.

How marks are won in Chemistry

1
Show clear working for all calculations
2
Use correct chemical notation consistently
3
Practice drawing mechanisms step-by-step
4
Memorize common ions and functional groups
5
Review past examiner reports

IB Chemistry: lessons, prices and how to start

One-to-one lessons are 90 minutes, live online. Prices are set per program, so they are the same for every IB Diploma subject.

IB Chemistry one-to-one tutoring packages
Single lesson$100Per lesson: $100Buy a lesson
10 lessons$970Per lesson: $97Buy package
20 lessonsLowest rate$1,900Per lesson: $95Buy package

Group options

IB group teaching runs as three programs, priced by the number of subjects you take, in groups of at most 6:

IA, EE and TOK supervision is one-to-one, from $100 for a single lesson.

How do you start?

Request a free consultation: it is a conversation about your goals and timeline, not a lesson or a test. There is no separate diagnostic test for IB Diploma, because no single test stands in for a school syllabus. The first lesson does the assessment: your tutor works through your recent marked work and past-paper questions from your own specification, and reads where you stand. It is a normal paid lesson, not a free trial, and it teaches as it assesses.

Request a free consultation

Refunds

Not satisfied after your first private lesson? Full (100%) refund. No score is guaranteed. Full terms.

Every IB Diploma priceAll IB Diploma subjects

IB Chemistry — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IB Chemistry SL and HL?
Standard Level: SL covers fundamental chemistry including stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, and equilibrium in 150 hours. Higher Level: HL adds further content within the same Structure and Reactivity topics, such as entropy and spontaneity, in 240 teaching hours. The choice matters for university admission as much as for workload — many courses require the subject at HL specifically.
How is IB Chemistry assessed?
Externally assessed: Paper 1 (SL: 36% / HL: 36%), Paper 2 (SL: 44% / HL: 44%). Internally assessed: Scientific Investigation (20%). The internal assessment is marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB, and because it is completed over months rather than in an exam hall it is the component students most often leave too late.
What topics does IB Chemistry cover?
The syllabus covers 6 topics: Structure 1: Models of the Particulate Nature of Matter, Structure 2: Models of Bonding and Structure, Structure 3: Classification of Matter, Reactivity 1: What Drives Chemical Reactions?, Reactivity 2: How Much, How Fast and How Far? and 1 more. Lessons follow your school's order, so tutoring supports your class rather than running alongside it.
Does IB Chemistry count for university credit?
Often grants credit for General Chemistry I/II. Recognition varies by university and usually applies to Higher Level only, so check the policy of each institution you are applying to.
Where does IB Chemistry lead?
It is commonly taken by students heading towards Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and 4 more. If your intended degree lists the subject as a requirement, taking it at Higher Level is usually what admissions expects.