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Course Overview
Course Overview
Chemistry explores the structure, composition and reactions of and between all elements, compounds and mixtures that exist in the Universe. The discovery and synthesis of new compounds, the monitoring of elements and compounds in the environment, and an understanding of industrial processes and their applications to life processes are central to human progress and our ability to develop future industries.
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 investigations 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.
The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study chemistry after completing school, and supports participation in a range of careers in chemistry and related interdisciplinary industries. It is an essential discipline that currently addresses and will continue to address our energy needs and uses, the development of new materials, and sustainability issues as they arise.
Course Structure - Year 11
Course Structure - Year 11
Module 1: Properties and Structure of Matter
Module 1: Properties and Structure of Matter
- How do the properties of substances help us to classify and separate them?
- Why are atoms of elements different from one another?
- Are there patterns in the properties of elements?
- What binds atoms together in elements and compounds?
Module 2: Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry
Module 2: Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry
- What happens in chemical reactions?
- How are measurements made in chemistry?
- How are chemicals in solutions measured?
- How does the Ideal Gas Law relate to all other Gas Laws?
Module 3: Reactive Chemistry
Module 3: Reactive Chemistry
- What are the products of a chemical reaction?
- How is the reactivity of various metals predicted?
- What affects the rate of a chemical reaction?
Module 4: Drivers of Reaction
Module 4: Drivers of Reaction
- What energy changes occur in chemical reactions?
- How much energy does it take to break bonds, and how much is released when bonds are formed?
- How can enthalpy and entropy be used to explain reaction spontaneity?
Course Structure - Year 12
Course Structure - Year 12
Module 5: Equilibrium and Acid Reaction
Module 5: Equilibrium and Acid Reaction
- What happens when chemical reactions do not go through to completion?
- What factors affect equilibrium and how?
- How can the position of equilibrium be described and what does the equilibrium constant represent?
- How does solubility relate to chemical equilibrium?
Module 6: Acid/base Reactions
Module 6: Acid/base Reactions
- What is an acid and what is a base?
- What is the role of water in solutions of acids and bases?
- How are solutions of acids and bases analysed?
Module 7: Organic Chemistry
Module 7: Organic Chemistry
- How do we systematically name organic chemical compounds?
- How can hydrocarbons be classified based on their structure and reactivity?
- What are the products of reactions of hydrocarbons and how do they react?
- How can alcohols be produced and what are their properties?
- What are the properties of organic acids and bases?
- What are the properties and uses of polymers?
Module 8: Applying Chemical Ideas
Module 8: Applying Chemical Ideas
- How are the ions present in the environment identified and measured?
- How is information about the reactivity and structure of organic compounds obtained?
- What are the implications for society of chemical synthesis and design?
Coursework
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.
Suitable Candidates
Students who have enjoyed Science in Years 9 and 10, particularly those who are looking at careers in engineering, research, materials or medicine related fields
Career paths
Analytical Chemist, Chemical Engineer, Chemistry Teacher. Forensic Scientist, Geochemist, Hazardous Waste Chemist, Materials Scientist, Pharmacologist
Equipment Required
Exercise book / folder, laptop, calculator, black leather lace up shoes
Mandatory Course Fees? No
Coordinating Faculty
Science
Head Teacher
Mrs. S Norrish
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