Both SL and HL courses include a basic core covering the fundamental principles of chemistry and students at both levels then opt to take two options. Five of these options are the same at both levels. These are "Medicines and Drugs", "Human biochemistry", "Environmental chemistry"," Industrial chemistry" and "Fuels and Energy". Standard level students can also opt to take an option in "Physical organic chemistry" and there are two options for Higher Level students only: "Modern analytical chemistry" and "Further organic chemistry". Although the topics in both the core and options are similar, Higher level students study them in greater depth.
The chemistry department is very active and has an excellent record of success. It recently pioneered the "Medicine and Drugs" option before it became part of the main programme and a text book used worldwide for the whole course was written by one of the members of the department. Class sizes do not exceed sixteen and much time is devoted to laboratory practical work.
The best reason for studying chemistry is enjoyment ofthe subject. It provides a good training in logical thinking (useful for studying law or accountancy etc.) as well as a good background for anyone wishing to study science at university. In many countries students wishing to pursue a career in medicine must take chemistry at the higher level.