VCE Chemistry

VCE Chemistry enables students to explore the nature of chemicals and chemical processes. Students apply chemical principles to explain and quantify the behaviour of matter, as well as undertake practical activities that involve the analysis of a variety of materials.  An important feature of VCE Chemistry is the opportunity for students to undertake a range of inquiry tasks both collaboratively and independently. Students pose questions, formulate hypotheses, collect and analyse data, evaluate methodologies and results, justify conclusions, make recommendations and communicate their findings.

Chemistry is the study of molecules: the building blocks of matter. It is central to our existence, and leads our investigations into the human body, Earth, food, materials, energy, and anywhere and everywhere in between. The chemical industry, supported by chemistry research, underpins much of our economic progress, and provides wealth and prosperity for society.  The study of Chemistry may provide pathways to training and tertiary studies in a range of sectors, including roles within chemical engineering, chemical and related industries, healthcare, forensics and law. 

How do chemical reactions shape the natural world?

In this unit students analyse and compare different substances dissolved in water and the gases that may be produced in chemical reactions. They explore applications of acid-base and redox reactions in society. Students conduct practical investigations involving the specific heat capacity of water, acid-base and redox reactions, solubility, molar volume of a gas, volumetric analysis, and the use of a calibration curve. Students undertake a student-designed scientific investigation. The investigation involves the generation of primary data and is related to the production of gases, acid-base or redox reactions, or the analysis of substances in water.

Areas of Study:

1. How do substances interact with water?

2. How are chemicals measured and analysed?

3. How do quantitative scientific investigations develop our understanding of chemical reactions?

How can design and innovation help to optimise chemical processes?

In this unit students investigate the chemical production of energy and materials. Students analyse and compare different fuels as energy sources for society, with reference to the energy transformations and chemical reactions involved, energy efficiencies, environmental impacts and potential applications. They explore different sources of energy, including food, galvanic cells, fuel cells, rechargeable cells and electrolytic cells. They evaluate chemical processes with reference to factors that influence their reaction rates and extent.

Areas of Study:

1.      What are the current and future options for supplying energy?

2.      How can the rate and yield of chemical reactions be optimised?

How are carbon-based compounds designed for purpose?

In this unit students investigate the structures and reactions of carbon-based organic compounds, including considering how green chemistry principles are applied in the production of synthetic organic compounds. They study the metabolism of food and the action of medicines in the body. They explore how laboratory analysis and various instrumentation techniques can be applied to analyse organic compounds in order to identify them and to ensure product purity.

Areas of Study:

1.      How are organic compounds categorised and synthesised?

2.      How are organic compounds analysed and used?

3.      How is scientific inquiry used to investigate the sustainable production of energy and/or materials?