Curious about the new IB Chemistry syllabus?
After every few years, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) updates the Chemistry syllabus to reflect the latest developments in the field and facilitate enhanced learning. As such, the IBO has debuted a new Chemistry syllabus for teaching starting in August 2023, with May 2025 as its first exam session. Replacing the 2014 DP Chemistry syllabus, the 2023 DP Chemistry syllabus features key changes in structure and assessments, designed to highlight “the interconnectedness of concepts, contexts, and content” (IBO, 2022).
Many students tend to worry about syllabus changes, as it can affect how they access resources like study guides and other materials. But don’t worry! This article will walk you through a comparison of the 2014 course (‘old syllabus’) and the 2023 course (‘new syllabus’), along with what that means for you as an IB Chemistry student.
Here is a summarized comparison of the two syllabi:
| Old Syllabus (2014) First assessment May 2016 | New Syllabus (2023) First assessment May 2025 |
| Students learn 11 topics at SL (21 at Additional Higher Level) Students also cover one option topic from four choices: Materials, Biochemistry, Energy, and Medicinal Chemistry. Exams consist of Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Calculator and data booklet only allowed for Paper 2 and 3. Internal assessments are designed and reported individually. | Students learn 6 topics themed under either Structure or Reactivity, with HL students spending more time on each topic. No option topics. Exams consist only of Paper 1 and Paper 2 (no more Paper 3!). Calculator and data booklet allowed for all papers, including Paper 1. Internal assessments can be designed in groups of 3 students maximum, with individual variables and reports. |
Let us take a deeper dive into the chemistry of those comparisons.
Syllabus Structure
One major difference between the old syllabus and the new 2023 syllabus is in how the topics are arranged. In the old syllabus, students learned 11 separate core topics, with 21 additional topics at HL. On top of this, both SL and HL students also read one option topic (more on that below).
In contrast, the new syllabus takes a fresh approach. The topics are divided into two major themes: Structure, which centers around the composition and classification of matter; and Reactivity, which explores the factors and mechanisms of how substances react. This is founded in the idea that “structure determines reactivity, which in turn transforms structure” (IBO, 2023).
Although the difference between SL and HL remains largely the same, this structural change would enable students to better connect topics that were once presented in a discrete way. This can come in handy in your IB Chemistry journey, especially in assessments that require you to link your learning across several topics (e.g. internal assessments, extended-response questions in Paper 2).
No Option Topics
In the old syllabus, each student learned one of four option topics in addition to the core curriculum. Typically covered towards the end of Year 2, this topic applied the concepts learned in the core curriculum to a specific field. These four option topics were Materials, Biochemistry, Energy, and Medicinal Chemistry.
These option topics were removed under the new curriculum, with some of the content being moved into the main syllabus. It is interesting to note that much of the reintegrated content comes from former option topics Materials and Energy, particularly on green chemistry topics like atom economy and the greenhouse effect. This demonstrates an emphasis on sustainability, which students can apply in designing their internal assessments (IAs) and collaborative sciences projects (‘Group 4 project’).
Overall, although it may decrease opportunities for students to specialize in a specific subfield of chemistry, removing the option topics would mean a more streamlined curriculum (less content, woohoo!).
Exam Format
The most crucial change in the exams is eliminating Paper 3, which tested laboratory skills and concepts learned in the now-removed option topics. Although the total testing time remains the same, there are slight adjustments in format reflecting the removal of Paper 3. Below is a table comparing the exam formats for each paper:
| Paper | Old Syllabus (2014) | New Syllabus (2023) |
| Paper 1 | All multiple choice questions | Divided into Paper 1A and Paper 1B Paper 1A is composed of multiple choice questions; Paper 1B has short-response data analysis questions on experimental techniques. |
| Paper 2 | Short-response and extended-response questions (e.g. detailed calculations) | |
| Paper 3 | Short-response and extended-response questions on the selected option topic, as well as on experimental techniques. | No Paper 3 |
Apart from having one less exam to prepare for (yay!), this means that students would also have more time to complete each paper. For example, SL students would have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete Paper 1, compared to 45 minutes in the old curriculum.
Another major difference between the old and new syllabi is in the use of calculators. While calculators were only allowed for Papers 2 and 3 in the old syllabus, the new syllabus allows calculators for all papers. This removes a mathematical barrier, as students who struggle performing math operations by hand (e.g. dividing large numbers) but otherwise do well with a calculator will not have to worry about spending precious exam time doing manual calculations.
The new IB Chemistry data booklet is also shorter than the previous data booklet, reflecting the reduced content in the new syllabus. Metric multipliers were also added (e.g. 1 nm = 10-9 m), which removes the need for students to memorize this. This also provides the IB with more flexibility regarding the numerical values that can be used for calculation problems.
Internal Assessment
The Chemistry internal assessment (IA) was one component that went through a vital change with the new syllabus. Whereas before the IA was an individual student endeavor, under the new curriculum it can now be designed and conducted in groups of 2-3 students. However, each student in the group must have different independent and dependent variables, collect their own data, and submit individual reports.
One advantage for this is that students can collaborate with each other, just like how scientists typically work in groups to do research. Students would also be able to brainstorm more creative ways to explore their topics, which can spark fresh IA methodologies. With the IB allocating 50% of IA marks towards Conclusion and Evaluation, being able to discuss their shared methodology may also help students weigh the strengths and limitations of their procedures.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 DP Chemistry syllabus can be thought of as a streamlined evolution of the outgoing 2014 DP Chemistry syllabus. Although there is a loss of individual specialization with the removal of the Option topics, the new syllabus emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and efficiency. On the whole, it has a special focus on the interdependent nature of chemistry, which can equip students with the critical thinking skills essential to succeed in this globally dynamic field.
You may also like…
- Wangari’s tips for the chemistry IA
- Ada’s overview of chemistry HL