Students undertake a student-designed scientific investigation in either Unit 3 or Unit 4, or across both
Units 3 and 4. The investigation involves the generation of primary data related to the production of energy and/or chemicals and/or the analysis or synthesis of organic compounds, and should be inspired by a contemporary chemical challenge or issue. The investigation draws on knowledge and related key science skills developed across Units 3 and 4 and is undertaken by students in the laboratory and/or in the field.
When undertaking the investigation students are required to apply the key science skills to develop a question, state an aim, formulate a hypothesis and plan a course of action to answer the question, while complying with safety and ethical guidelines. Students then undertake an experiment to generate primary quantitative data, analyse and evaluate the data, identify limitations of data and methods, link experimental results to scientific ideas, discuss implications of the results, and draw a conclusion in response to the question.