Chemistry

2 units for each of Year 11 and Year 12 Board Developed Course

Course Description:

The Year 11 course develops the knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the properties and structures of matter, the types and drivers of chemical reactions and how we measure the quantities involved in these processes.

The Year 12 course builds on the concepts introduced in Year 11 by examining particular classes of chemicals, processes and a variety of chemical reactions which incorporate organic compounds and acid/base equilibrium reactions. The course challenges students to apply this knowledge to the investigation of a range of methods used in identifying and measuring quantities of chemicals, which leads to an understanding of the structure, properties and trends of and between classes of chemicals.

The course further develops an understanding of Chemistry through the application of Working Scientifically skills. It focuses on the exploration of models, understanding of theories and laws, and examination of the interconnectedness between seemingly dissimilar phenomena.

Chemistry involves using differing scales, specialised representations, explanations, predictions and creativity, especially in the development and pursuit of new materials. It requires students to use their imagination to visualise the dynamic, minuscule world of atoms in order to gain a better understanding of how chemicals interact.

The Chemistry course builds on students’ knowledge and skills developed in the Science Stage 5 course and increases their understanding of Chemistry as a foundation for undertaking post-school studies in a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields. A knowledge and understanding of Chemistry is often the unifying link between interdisciplinary studies.

Main Topics Covered:

Year 11 Course

The Year 11 Course modules include:

  • Module 1 – Properties and Structure of Matter

  • Module 2 – Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry

  • Module 3 – Reactive Chemistry

  • Module 4 – Drivers of Reactions

Year 12 Course

The Year 12 course builds upon the knowledge from the Year 11 Course.

The Year 12 Course modules include:

  • Module 5 – Equilibrium and Acid Reactions

  • Module 6 – Acid/base Reactions

  • Module 7 – Organic Chemistry

  • Module 8 – Applying Chemical Ideas

Particular Course Requirements:

  • 15 hours in Year 11 and 15 hours in Year 12 will be allocated to a depth study. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts. A depth study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

  • Practical investigations including both first-hand practical investigations and secondary-sources investigations are mandatory in Year 11 and Year 12. These must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year. Students are required to keep records of all scientific investigations.

  • All science courses have presumed knowledge requirements from Years 7 – 10.

  • Students selecting Chemistry will need to have achieved strong results in Year 10. Students also need to be proficient in Mathematics.

School Fees: Nil