IB Chemistry Specialist

Aim for a 7 in IB Chemistry

One-to-one online IB Chemistry lessons for Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students. Prepare for the exam with a personalised plan that covers topic teaching, past paper practice, exam strategies and Internal Assessment support.

Exam Format

Highest Grade: 7
Component SL HL Weight
Paper 1 55 75 36%
Paper 1A Multiple Choice 30 40
Paper 1B Data and Experimental Questions 25 35
Paper 2 Short and Extended Response Questions 50 90 44%
Internal Assessment (IA) Scientific Investigation 24 24 20%

Exam marks are converted to an IB grade from 1 to 7.

What You Need to Know About the IB (International Baccalaureate)

1. What Is the IB (International Baccalaureate)?

The IB (International Baccalaureate) is an international education system used around the world. The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), taught at upper secondary level, aims to give students an internationally recognised high school diploma and the opportunity to apply to undergraduate programmes at universities abroad.

IB diploma holders can apply to universities in many countries, depending on their diploma grades, the subjects they chose and each university's admission requirements. Although the IB diploma is recognised by many international universities, holding one does not guarantee automatic admission to any university.

The core aim of the IB is not only to provide academic knowledge but also to develop students' skills in research, inquiry, critical thinking and problem solving, and to help them connect what they learn to real life.

2. How Does the IB Diploma Programme Work?

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an international education programme that aims to give students an internationally recognised high school diploma and the opportunity to apply to undergraduate programmes at universities abroad.

Students build their own academic programme by taking courses from six subject groups. They are generally expected to choose one course from each group. However, course choices can vary depending on what the school offers, how the programme is run and IB regulations.

For example, in some cases students may choose an additional course from another group instead of one from the sixth group, The Arts. Some interdisciplinary courses can also meet the requirements of more than one subject group.

The six subject groups and their courses

1. Studies in Language and Literature

Develops students' language skills and their ability to understand and interpret literary texts.

  • Language A: Language and Literature
  • Language A: Literature
  • Literature and Performance
2. Language Acquisition

Focuses on developing students' foreign language skills.

  • Language B
  • Language Ab Initio
  • Classical Languages
3. Individuals and Societies

Examines human behaviour, societies, the economy and social systems.

  • Business Management
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Psychology
  • Global Politics
  • Philosophy
  • Digital Society
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology
  • World Religions
4. Sciences

Develops scientific thinking, experimentation, research and problem-solving skills.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Design Technology
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science
  • Environmental Systems and Societies
5. Mathematics

Develops analytical thinking, problem solving and mathematical modelling skills.

  • Analysis and Approaches (AA)
  • Applications and Interpretation (AI)
6. The Arts

Develops students' creativity and artistic expression.

  • Visual Arts
  • Music
  • Theatre
  • Film
  • Dance

Note: Not every listed course is offered at every school. Course options may vary by the school's IB programme and the academic year. Some interdisciplinary courses can meet the requirements of more than one subject group.

The three core components

The IB Diploma Programme is not made up of the six subject groups alone. Students must also complete three core components.

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that questions how knowledge is acquired, how its accuracy is evaluated and how different areas of knowledge relate to one another.
  • Extended Essay (EE): An academic paper of about 4,000 words, based on independent research into a topic that interests the student.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A programme that encourages students to take part in creative pursuits, physical activities and work that benefits the community.

3. What Are Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)?

In the IB Diploma Programme, students can take their chosen courses at two academic levels: Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).

Standard Level (SL)

This level covers the essential academic content and skills of the course.

  • The recommended total teaching time is 150 hours.
  • It covers the core topics of the course.
  • It focuses on understanding, analysing and applying the topics.

Higher Level (HL)

This level has a broader syllabus and goes into greater academic depth.

  • The recommended total teaching time is 240 hours.
  • It includes advanced content in addition to the SL topics.
  • It requires more extensive analysis, problem-solving and application skills.

IB students generally take three courses at HL and three at SL. Within the programme rules, they may also choose four HL courses.

The difference between HL and SL is not only one of difficulty. The courses also differ in syllabus coverage, teaching hours and expected academic depth.

4. How Does the IB Differ from the Turkish National Curriculum?

The main differences between the IB and the Turkish national curriculum lie in their educational approach, course content and assessment methods.

The national curriculum is part of Turkey's national education system. The IB Diploma Programme, by contrast, is built to international standards and taught in many countries.

FeatureTurkish National CurriculumIB Diploma Programme
Educational approachNational curriculum and learning outcomesFocused on research, inquiry and application
Course selectionDepends on the school type and programmeChosen across six subject groups
Course levelsNo HL/SL distinctionHL and SL levels
AssessmentWritten exams, performance tasks and school assessmentsFinal exams, internal assessments and projects
ResearchVaries by courseAcademic research plays an important role
GradingSchool courses are graded out of 100; the national university placement score is calculated out of 500 for the relevant score type.Each course is graded out of 7. With the six courses and the additional TOK and EE points, the diploma total can reach a maximum of 45.

In the IB, students are assessed not only on recalling what they have learned but also on analysing it, interpreting it and applying it to new problems.

In IB Chemistry, for example, students are assessed on laboratory work, experimental design, data analysis and individual research as well as on theoretical topics.

The two systems are not mutually exclusive. IB schools in Turkey also meet the relevant national education requirements. Depending on their school's programme, IB students may therefore follow both the national curriculum and the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme.

How does the IB differ from Turkey's national university entrance exam?

Turkey's national university entrance exam is taken by students who want to enter Turkish universities through central placement. It consists of three sessions: a basic proficiency test, a field proficiency test and a foreign language test.

In the IB Diploma Programme, students are assessed course by course throughout the programme and receive a diploma score at the end.

FeatureIBNational Entrance Exam
Assessment1–7 points per courseScore calculated from exam results
Total scoreMaximum of 45Maximum of 500 for the relevant score type
Exam structureFinal exams per course and internal assessmentsCentral exams
Assessment timingOngoing throughout the programmeCentral exam period
Assessment focusKnowledge, analysis, application and researchCurriculum outcomes and test performance

How does IB scoring work?

In the IB Diploma Programme, students receive a separate score from 1 to 7 in each of their six courses.

  • 7: Highest achievement
  • 6: Very good
  • 5: Good
  • 4: Satisfactory
  • 3, 2, 1: Lower levels of achievement

The maximum score from the six courses is 42. Up to 3 additional points can be earned from the combination of TOK and EE, which brings the total diploma score to 45.

A diploma requires at least 24 points and all other diploma conditions to be met.

Do IB students have to take the national entrance exam to study at a university in Turkey?

The national entrance exam is the main route for students who want a place on an undergraduate programme through Turkey's central placement system. The IB diploma alone is neither a general substitute for this exam nor a right to automatic placement.

However, universities may have separate admission requirements for holders of international diplomas. Students should therefore check the current application requirements of their target university.

5. Which Schools in Turkey Offer the IB Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme is taught at both state and private schools in Turkey. Many high schools in different cities give their students the opportunity to earn an internationally recognised IB diploma.

Course options, HL and SL combinations and the way the programme is run can differ from school to school.

Use the link below to see the full list of schools offering the IB Diploma Programme in Turkey, along with programme information for each school.

IB World Schools in Turkey

You can browse the authorised schools in Turkey on the IB's official school search platform.

See the Full List of Schools

IB CHEMISTRY TOPICS

Recommended teaching hours · First assessment 2025

Syllabus component SL Standard Level HL Higher Level
Syllabus content 110 180
Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter 17 21
1.1 Introduction to the particulate nature of matter
1.2 The nuclear atom
1.3 Electron configurations
1.4 Counting particles by mass: The mole
1.5 Ideal gases
Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure 20 30
2.1 The ionic model
2.2 The covalent model
2.3 The metallic model
2.4 From models to materials
Structure 3. Classification of matter 16 31
3.1 The periodic table: Classification of elements
3.2 Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds
Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions? 12 22
1.1 Measuring enthalpy change
1.2 Energy cycles in reactions
1.3 Energy from fuels
1.4 Entropy and spontaneity Additional higher level
Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far? 21 31
2.1 How much? The amount of chemical change
2.2 How fast? The rate of chemical change
2.3 How far? The extent of chemical change
Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change? 24 45
3.1 Proton transfer reactions
3.2 Electron transfer reactions
3.3 Electron sharing reactions
3.4 Electron-pair sharing reactions
Experimental programme 40 60
Practical work 20 40
Collaborative sciences project 10 10
Scientific investigation 10 10
Total Teaching Hours 150 240

HOW TUTORING WORKS

All lessons are one-to-one and online. The programme is planned around the student's gaps, goals and school calendar.

Programme Scope

  • Lessons

    Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) syllabus topics are covered step by step. Each lesson is reinforced with practice questions on the topic.

  • Weekly Lesson Plan

    A personalised weekly plan is prepared around the student's gaps, target grade and school calendar.

  • Internal Assessment (IA) Support

    For this work, which makes up 20% of the final grade, guidance on the research question, method, data analysis and report writing is given in line with IB academic integrity rules.

  • Paper 1 and Paper 2 Preparation

    Question types, past paper practice, markschemes and time management are all practised.

  • Lesson Notes and Materials

    Lesson notes and study materials are shared with the student.

  • Parent Updates

    Parents can join the consultation. Regular feedback on the student's progress is provided.

How Does It Work?

  1. Free ConsultationLevel, target grade and exam session are established; fees are shared.
  2. Personalised PlanA weekly lesson plan is prepared around gaps and the school calendar.
  3. Online LessonsTopics are taught on Zoom and reinforced with practice questions.
  4. Homework and Follow-upHomework is set after the lesson; gaps are addressed in the next lesson.
  5. Exam RehearsalExam performance is measured with timed past papers.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Sümeyye Özer Kökçen

Sümeyye Özer Kökçen

IB Chemistry Instructor

My journey in chemistry began with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry Education at Boğaziçi University, and I deepened my academic background by completing a master's degree in chemistry at the same university. I have also spent many years as a researcher on scientific chemistry projects at Koç University, Istanbul Technical University and Ludwig Maximilian University. For more than 10 years, I have been giving one-to-one chemistry lessons at every level. I teach my lessons either entirely in English or in Turkish with English terminology. I tailor the content to each student's progress and needs, and I value communication with parents throughout the process. Helping my IB students reach their goal of studying abroad is the greatest pleasure of my career.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

Fill in the form and you will get a reply by phone or WhatsApp. The lesson plan and fees are shared during the consultation.

Email: info@ibchemistry7.com

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