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Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the interaction between them. There are many reasons to study chemistry, even if you aren't pursuing a career in science.
Chemistry is everywhere in the world around you! It's in the food you eat, clothes you wear, water you drink, medicines, air, cleaners... you name it. Chemistry sometimes is called the "central science" because it connects other sciences to each other, such as biology, physics, geology, and environmental science. Studying chemistry opens up career pathways for you in many different fields including medicine, engineering, physiotherapy and many more. Chemistry is a really enjoyable subject as it will teach you many new things which will help you understand how the world around you works.
Characteristics of successful chemistry students: Self-motivated, Excellent work ethic, Asks questions in class, Critical thinker, Inquisitive and observant, Good maths skills (algebra), Good comprehension.
Complementary subjects: Biology, Physics, Maths Methods/ Specialist Maths
Year 10 Chemistry
Year 10 Chemistry
Students explore the principles behind the periodic table and how it is used to predict bonding between atoms. They experiment with the chemistry of combustion, acid-base and redox reactions including the construction of simple galvanic cells. They also learn to write chemical equations to describe the reactions occurring. Students develop their laboratory and scientific inquiry skills by designing, performing and reporting on an experiment.
Topics:
• Atomic theory, bonding and the periodic table
• Energy
• Chemical reactions
For further information please refer to page 51 of the St. Joseph's College Senior School Subject Information Handbook.
Chemistry Units 1 & 2
Chemistry Units 1 & 2
In Unit 1 Chemistry students focus on the nature of chemical elements, their atomic structure and their place in the periodic table. They learn how atoms bond together to form compounds and then learn some of the quantitative aspects of chemistry are introduced including the mole concept. In Unit 2 Chemistry students study the reactions that occur in water including acid-base, redox and precipitation. They investigate an issue related to water quality using a number of analytical techniques such as titration, UV-Visible spectroscopy and chromatography.
Chemistry Units 3 & 4
Chemistry Units 3 & 4
The global demand for energy and materials is increasing with world population growth. In this unit students explore energy options and the chemical production of materials with reference to efficiencies, renewability and the minimisation of their impact on the environment. They also investigate how batteries work and why some are rechargeable while others are not. In Unit 4 Chemistry students investigate a number of organic molecules and learn how they are analysed. They also learn about the chemistry of the key components in food including macronutrients, vitamins and enzymes.
For further information please refer to page 74 of the St. Joseph's College Senior School Subject Information Handbook.
Useful links
Chemistry Study Design - https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/chemistry/2023ChemistrySD.docx
University of Melbourne - Why study chemistry - https://chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-students/why-study-chemistry
FAQS
FAQS
Q: I didn’t do chemistry in year 10, can I still choose chemistry in year 11?
A: Yes you can, however, you will need to do a small amount of preparation work to ensure you are catch up. One of the most successful students in the 2019 year 12 chemistry didn’t do it in year 10.
Q: Can I just do one unit of chemistry at year 11.
A: No, the entire year 11 course is preparation for year 12.
Q: I didn’t enjoy chemistry when I did it in year 8/9 but I think I need it for my course, should I pick it?
A: The content in year 11 and 12 is very different to year 8 and 9. Speak to Mr Leslie and he will be able to tell whether you will enjoy it.
Q: I want to get a high ATAR score. How does chemistry help with this?
A: Provided you perform at, or above the state average, you score is ‘scaled up’ by 3-4 points as chemistry is considered one of the more challenging subjects. Nine of the past 10 school DUX’s have studied chemistry.
Q: Can I pick chemistry up in year 12
A: No - too much of the course relies on prior learning from year 11
Q: Is it hard?
A: Any VCE subject is hard if you aren’t prepared to put the work in. However, most year 12 students who do chemistry say it’s their favourite subject - even though it’s challenging.
Q: Is there lots of homework?
A: Yes. You can’t expect to develop a completely new vocabulary and understand challenging concepts without practice.
Useful links:
Chemistry Study Design - https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/chemistry/2023ChemistrySD.docx
University of Melbourne - Why study chemistry - https://chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-students/why-study-chemistry
University Courses which require Chemistry
Medicine, Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Pharmacy, Dental Science, Medical Radiations
University Courses with Chemistry as an optional prerequisite
Future careers, Architecture, Arts/Science double degree, Education, Engineering, Exercise, Science, Food Technology, Geology, Health Sciences, Nanotechnology, Nursing, Nutrition Science
Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Psychology, Speech Pathology, Sports Science, Veterinary Nursing
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