Year 13 chemistry

Taking Chemistry at Level 3 will allow you to continue to learn about the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.

A knowledge of chemistry at NCEA Level 3 is essential in many careers such as engineering, medicine, physiotherapy, food technology, pharmaceuticals and environmental science.

The aims of the course is for you to increase your general understanding of chemistry and to enable you to gain excellence in Chemistry at Year 13 to be ready for tertiary study.  The course builds on the foundations of Level 2 Chemistry.

In Level 3 Chemistry you will:

• further develop your understanding of how chemistry is linked to many aspects of everyday life

• do a combination of theory and practical work to develop your understanding in:

  1. oxidation and reduction chemistry - in particular how batteries (electrochemical cells) work

  2. patterns in the Periodic Table; structure and bonding in molecular substances and energy changes that occur when they react

  3. organic chemistry, a more in-depth study of carbon compounds and their relevance both to human health and many aspects of everyday life

  4. aqueous solution chemistry - we look at acids and bases, buffer solutions and solubility, their relevance to concepts such as ocean acidification and a number of chemical manfucaturing processes

• you will further develop your skills in analytical chemistry and you'll carry out an extended investigation during Term 2

• an optional internally assessed topic will give you the chance to study the analytical techniques of various types of spectroscopy; crucial to analysing the structure of newly discovered compounds

To gain entry to this course, you must gain at least 14 credits in NCEA Level 2 Chemistry. Other entries will be at the discretion of the Head of Department – consultation is required.

• 3 external standards and 2 internal standards.

• There is an option to replace one of the external standards with an extra internal standard.

• Practical work and demonstrations are included throughout the course. 

NZQA Chemistry Subject Resources

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/chemistry/levels/

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment.  They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard.