COURSE:  CHEMISTRY

Leader of Learning: Ms Tracy Wade

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC / Board Developed Course.

Course Description:

The study of Chemistry in Stage 6 enables students to develop an appreciation and understanding of materials and their properties, structures, interactions and related applications. Through applying Working Scientifically skills processes, the course aims to examine how chemical theories, models and practices are used and developed.

The Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus 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 and sustainability. 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 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 Content:

The Year 11 Course consists of four modules.

• Module 1 Properties and Structure of Matter 

• Module 2 Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry 

• Module 3 Reactive Chemistry 

• Module 4 Drivers of Reactions 

The HSC Course consists of four modules.

• Module 5 Equilibrium and Acid Reactions 

• Module 6 Acid/base Reactions 

• Module 7 Organic Chemistry 

• Module 8 Applying Chemical Ideas

Course Requirements:

Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for Depth Studies in both Year 11 and Year 12 during each year’s 120 indicative hours. 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 are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year. These will incur an additional fee of $55.