This course is designed to provide a general background in Chemistry that enables students to appreciate the contribution that this science makes to a technological society. The course will also provide the necessary foundation for students intending to study a science-based discipline at the tertiary level or to enter a science-based occupation.
Course Patterns
The first 4 units are sequential. Students intending to study most Science courses at university are strongly recommended to complete a major in this course. Year 11 students gain understanding and skills that are built upon in more specialised applications in Year 12.
It is helpful if students are competent in Year 10 Mathematics.
Year 11 Semester 1 students enrol in Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals, and then in Semester 2, Year 11 students enrol in Unit 2: Molecules.
Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals
Unit 2: Molecules
Unit 3: Equilibrium and Redox
Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis and Design
Structure, Properties and Reactions. In this unit, students use materials they encounter in their lives as a context for investigating the relationship between the structure and properties of atoms and molecules. The concept of a mole as a means of quantifying matter in chemical reactions is introduced. Students relate matter and energy in chemical reactions by considering the breaking and reforming of bonds as new substances are produced.
In this unit, students explore the characteristic properties of water, gases, aqueous solutions, acids and bases. They learn how reaction rates can be measured and altered to meet needs, and use models of energy transfer and the structure of matter to explain and predict changes in reaction rates. Students investigate the behaviour of gases with respect to volume, pressure and temperature.
In this unit, students investigate reversible reactions and the factors affecting dynamic equilibrium, particularly acid-base equilibria. Students investigate the principles of oxidation and reduction reactions and the production of electricity from electrochemical cells.
In this unit, students focus on the principles and applications of chemical synthesis, particularly in organic chemistry. This involves considering where and how functional groups can be incorporated into existing carbon compounds to generate new substances with properties that enable their use in a range of contexts. Students select and use instrumental analysis data to determine the identity and structure of a range of organic materials.