Chemistry

VCE Chemistry Units 1-4

The study of VCE Chemistry involves investigating and analysing the composition and behaviour of matter, and the chemical processes involved in producing useful materials for society in ways that minimise adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Chemistry underpins the generation of energy for use in homes and industry, the maintenance of clean air and water, the production of food, medicines and new materials, and the treatment of wastes.

 Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?

Students investigate the chemical structures and properties of a range of materials, including covalent compounds, metals, ionic compounds and polymers. They are introduced to ways that chemical quantities are measured. They consider how manufacturing innovations lead to more sustainable products being produced for society through the use of renewable raw materials and a transition from a linear economy towards a circular economy.

Students conduct practical investigations involving the reactivity series of metals, separation of mixtures by chromatography, use of precipitation reactions to identify ionic compounds, determination of empirical formulas, and synthesis of polymers. 

 Unit 2: What makes water such a unique chemical?

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.

 Unit 3: How can chemical processes be designed to optimise efficiency?

Students investigate the chemical production of energy and materials. They explore how innovation, design and sustainability principles and concepts can be applied to produce energy and materials while minimising possible harmful effects of production on human health and the environment. 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 food in the context of supplying energy in living systems. The purpose, design and operating principles of galvanic cells, fuel cells, rechargeable cells and electrolytic cells are considered when evaluating their suitability for supplying society’s needs for energy and materials. 

 Unit 4: How are organic compounds categorised, analysed and used?

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.

Students conduct practical investigations related to the synthesis and analysis of organic compounds, involving reaction pathways, organic synthesis, identification of functional groups, direct redox titrations, solvent extraction and distillations. 

Assessment/Entry Requirements

Entry

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Units 3 and 4 as a sequence within one calendar year.  Students who enter the study at Unit 3 must undertake preparatory work related to Unit 2.

Assessment: Demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Levels of Achievement

Units 1 and 2: A range of school based assessment tasks, including end of year exam, will be utilised to record the standard achieved by students.

Units 3 and 4:

Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 20%

Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 30%                   

End-of-year examination: 50 %