IB Chemistry EE Tutors

IB Chemistry EE Tutors from reputed IB schools. IB Elite Tutor has been offering high-quality extended essay guidance since 2010. We have a vast team of Online IB Tutors available to help & support

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IB Chemistry EE Tutors

As you all know, IB EE is an important part of the Diploma program, and it is worth 34 out of the 42 points needed to pass the diploma. If you follow the IBO criteria properly, then it will help you to achieve a high score in IB Chemistry EE. Likewise,

• The essay must be written in English
• The essay must be 4000 words in length.
• The essay must be typed and double-spaced.

The essay must include a title page, abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. And also take help from our IB Chemistry EE tutors to achieve a perfect score. First and foremost, let us discuss the IB Chemistry EE criteria given by IBO. Secondly, we comprehend the key points of writing a successful IB Chemistry EE. Let us get started!

Criterion A: Focus & Method (6 points): The Essential Criteria for Success in IB Chemistry EE

• The research question is formulated and relevant to the field of Chemistry. For instance, the RQ is “To what extent does pH affect the efficiency of enzymatic activity in catalyzing the breakdown of starch into maltose?”
• Explanation: The above RQ is specific and directly related to the field of chemistry. The topic explores the influence of pH on enzymatic activity, a fundamental concept in biochemistry. The focus is on the enzymatic activity breakdown of starch into maltose, which involves the enzyme amylase, and how varying pH levels may impact this process. This question is appropriate for an IB Chemistry EE as it delves into the chemical principles behind enzymatic reactions. Moreover, it has the potential for conducting experimental investigation and data analysis.
• The methodology is appropriate for the RQ and is well explained.
• The data is presented clearly and accurately.
• The analysis is sound and supported by the data.

Criterion B: Knowledge & Understanding (6 points): What You Need to Know to Score High?

• Students must correctly apply principles and ideas to the RQ in an IB Chemistry EE, demonstrating a deep understanding of the relevant chemical concepts and theories. For instance, the RQ is “To what extent does pH affect the efficiency of enzymatic activity in catalyzing the breakdown of starch into maltose?”
• Theoretical Background: The student must provide a comprehensive theoretical background on enzymatic reactions. Moreover, it focuses on amylase and its role in catalyzing the hydrolysis of starch into maltose. Apart from this, he/she should explain the concept of enzymatic activity, the factors affecting enzyme function, and the theory behind enzyme-substrate interactions.
• Previous studies: The student must review and cite relevant scientific literature on the topic. Also, this literature review should encompass studies that have investigated the effect of pH on enzymatic activity, particularly with amylase and starch.
• Research design: The student must outline their experimental design to investigate the RQ. Also, this could involve methods for preparing enzyme and substrate solutions, measuring the rate of starch hydrolysis, and maintaining various pH levels.
• Data collection & analysis: The student must record all experimental data meticulously and analyze the results to draw meaningful conclusions. Also, he/she must compare the rates of starch hydrolysis at various pH levels and discuss how these findings align with the theoretical background.
• Conclusion and interpretations: The student must interpret their findings in the context of the initial research question. Moreover, he/she must highlight the importance of their results and propose potential applications or further research directions.

C Criterion: Investigation (6 points): The Points You Need

• A well-planned and executed investigation for an IB Chemistry EE involves careful considerations of the RQ. Also, a systematic approach to experimentation, reliable data collection, and thorough analysis. For instance, the RQ is “To what extent does pH affect the efficiency of enzymatic activity in catalyzing the breakdown of starch into maltose?”
• Experimental design: The student must design a series of experiments where he/she maintains a constant concentration of amylase and starch while varying the pH of the reaction mixtures. Also, each reaction was conducted in triplicate to ensure reliability.
• pH range: Choose a suitable range of pH values to test, covering both acidic and alkaline conditions, to thoroughly observe the impact on enzymatic activity.
• Control experiment: Include a control experiment where one reaction mixture is held at a neutral pH, ensuring that any observed effects are due to pH variations and no other factors.
• Data collection: The student could use a spectrophotometer to monitor changes in absorbance over time, indicating the production of maltose. Also, record the absorbance readings at regular intervals for each reaction.
• Safety considerations: The student must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and be familiar with the hazards associated with the chemicals used.
• Replication and averaging: Conduct each pH condition three times and calculate the average absorbance value for each reaction.
• Data analysis: Plot a graph showing absorbance (enzyme activity) on the y-axis against pH on the x-axis. Also, analyze the relationship between pH and enzymatic activity.
• Error analysis: Identify potential sources of error, such as slight variations in pH measurements or fluctuations in temperature during the experiments.
• Conclusion: Draw a well-supported conclusion based on the experimental results. Also, discuss how pH affects enzymatic activity in the breakdown of starch.

Criterion D: Knowledge of the Topic (6 points): Tips from the IB Chemistry EE Tuition 

• To demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the topic in the IB Chemistry EE, the student must showcase a deep understanding of relevant concepts, theories, and key principles in the field of Chemistry.
• Through literature review: Conduct an extensive literature review to explore the existing research and scholarly work related to the topic. Also, engage with reputable scientific journals, academic sources, and journals to gather information about the subject matter.
• Explanation of key concepts: The student explains the lock-and-key model of enzyme-substrate interaction and how it applies to the catalytic activity of amylase in breaking down starch molecules.
• Integration of multiple perspectives: The student can discuss the lock-and-key and induced-fit models of enzyme-substrate interaction. Also, highlighting the differences and explaining which model is more relevant to the behavior of amylase in various pH conditions.
• Application of chemical principles: Illustrate how chemical principles and theories underpin the experimental design and the interpretation of results.
• Analysis of data: The student interprets the data obtained from the experiments, comparing the rate of starch hydrolysis at various pH values. And also explain how pH influences the enzyme’s efficiency in catalyzing the reaction.
• Identification of limitations: The student addresses limitations such as the potential presence of other substances affecting the enzymatic activity or variations in enzyme concentration.
• Considerations of future research: The student can propose exploring the impact of temperature alongside pH on enzymatic activity to gain insights into how these factors interact and influence each other.
• Interdisciplinary connections: If the topic connects with other disciplines, demonstrate a coherent understanding of how chemistry interacts with those disciplines.

Reasoned Argument (6 points): Key Criterion for an Outstanding IB Chemistry EE

• Support the IB Chemistry EE argument with evidence from the literature and the student’s research. The student must gather relevant information from reputable sources and combine it with data obtained during the experimental investigation.
• So, you must include literature evidence, citations of established theories, comparison with previous research, graphical representation, detailed experimental results, statistical analysis, qualitative observations, and discussions of outliers and anomalies.

Additionally, working closely with the assigned supervisor or IB Chemistry EE tutors greatly enhances your understanding of the criteria and expectations for the EE.