Topics for IB Diploma Chemistry and Biology

Topics for IB Diploma Chemistry and Biology:

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Chemistry (SL & HL)

Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter

• Introduction to the particulate nature of matter

• The nuclear atom

• Electron configurations

• Counting particles by mass: The mole

• Ideal gases

 

Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure

• The ionic model

• The covalent model

• The metallic model

• From models to materials

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Structure 3: Classification of matter

• The periodic table: Classification of elements

• Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds

 

Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions?

• Measuring enthalpy changes

• Energy cycles in reactions

• Energy from fuels

• Entropy and spontaneity

Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far?

• How much? The amount of chemical change

• How fast? The rate of chemical change

• How far? The extent of chemical change

Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?

• Proton transfer reactions

• Electron transfer reactions

• Electron sharing reactions

• Electron-pair sharing reactions

 

Biology (SL & HL)

Theme A: Unity and diversity

• A1.1 - Water

• A1.2 - Nucleic acids

 

• A2.1 - Origins of cells [HL only]

• A2.2 - Cell structure

• A2.3 - Viruses [HL only]

 

• A3.1 - Diversity of organisms

• A3.2 - Classification and cladistics [HL only]

 

• A4.1 - Evolution and speciation

• A4.2 - Conservation of biodiversity

 

Theme B: Form and function

• B1.1 – Carbohydrates and lipids

• B1.2 – Proteins

 

• B2.1 - Membranes and membrane transport

• B2.2 - Organelles and compartmentalization

• B2.3 - Cell specialization

 

• B3.1 - Gas exchange

• B3.2 - Transport

• B3.3 - Muscle and motility [HL only]

 

• B4.1 - Adaptation to environment

• B4.2 - Ecological niches

 

Theme C: Interaction and interdependence

• C1.1 - Enzymes and metabolism

• C1.2 - Cell respiration

• C1.3 – Photosynthesis

 

• C2.1 - Chemical signalling [HL only]

• C2.2 - Neural signalling

 

• C3.1 - Integration of body systems

• C3.2 - Defence against disease

 

• C4.1 - Populations and communities

• C4.2 - Transfers of energy and matter

 

Theme D: Continuity and change

• D1.1 - DNA replication

• D1.2 - Protein synthesis

• D1.3 - Mutations and gene editing

 

• D2.1 - Cell and nuclear division

• D2.2 - Gene expression [HL only]

• D2.3 - Water potential

 

• D3.1 - Reproduction

• D3.2 - Inheritance

• D3.3 - Homeostasis

 

• D4.1 - Natural selection

• D4.2 - Stability and change

• D4.3 - Climate change