Content Focus

Students focus on the principles and applications of chemical synthesis in the field of organic chemistry. Current and future applications of chemistry include techniques to synthesise new substances – including pharmaceuticals, fuels and polymers – to meet the needs of society.

Each class of organic compounds displays characteristic chemical properties and undergoes specific reactions based on the functional groups present. These reactions, including acid/base and oxidation reactions, are used to identify the class of an organic compound. In this module, students investigate the many classes of organic compounds and their characteristic chemical reactions. By considering the primary, secondary and tertiary structures of organic materials, students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of the properties of materials – including strength, density and biodegradability – and relate these to proteins, carbohydrates and synthetic polymers.

Working Scientifically

In this module, students focus on collecting, analysing and processing data and information to identify trends, patterns and relationships to solve problems and communicate scientific understanding of ideas about organic chemistry. Students should be provided with opportunities to engage with all the Working Scientifically skills throughout the course.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) (2017, updated January 2018), Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus, p. 54.