IB · Chemistry · SL
IB Chemistry SL
Study IB Chemistry SL through connected ideas about structure, reactivity and chemical change.
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IB Chemistry SL at a glance
Follow the live SL knowledge tree from Structure and Reactivity to topics and learning objectives.
- 6
- syllabus units
- 21
- mapped topics
- 7
- study tools
What you study in IB Chemistry SL
IB Chemistry SL connects microscopic models with the observable behaviour of matter and chemical reactions.
Use the syllabus map to move from a structure or reactivity idea to Concepts, Mastery or Question Bank.
Explore the IB Chemistry SL syllabus
Follow the live SL knowledge tree from Structure and Reactivity to topics and learning objectives.
Unit 1: Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter
Unit 2: Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure
Unit 3: Structure 3. Classification of matter
Unit 4: Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions?
Unit 5: Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far?
Unit 6: Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change?
IB Chemistry SL exam skills
Practise the command terms, data handling and extended reasoning used across IB assessment.
- Follow command termsMatch the depth and structure of the response to the exact instruction.
- Use data as evidenceRead units and uncertainty, identify patterns and support conclusions with values.
- Build mark-efficient explanationsLink cause, evidence and subject vocabulary without repeating the prompt.
SourceCurrent IB subject guide and assessment objectives.
IB Chemistry SL assessment
The SL course combines two external papers worth 80% of the final grade with a scientific investigation worth 20%.
SourceIB Chemistry guide · First assessment 2025
Paper 1 contributes 36%, Paper 2 contributes 44%, and the scientific investigation contributes 20% of the final subject grade.
The course uses Structure and Reactivity to connect models of matter with chemical change and measurable evidence.
SL uses shorter external papers than HL while retaining Paper 1, Paper 2 and the scientific investigation.
Use the SL syllabus tree to choose an objective, review the linked Concept, then practise its questions and track progress in Mastery.