Does this subject contribute to an ATAR? Yes (General Subject)
How many credits does this subject contribute towards QCE? 4
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter, analysing its structure, properties, and behaviour to see what happens when they change in chemical reactions.
Students will study a range of practical and theoretical content in order to develop and deepen their understanding of the science.
A range of topics including atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the structure and properties of elements and compounds will be investigated to develop a basic understanding. Students then move on to explore intermolecular forces, gases, aqueous solutions, acidity and rates of reaction. They study equilibrium processes and redox reactions. They explore organic chemistry, synthesis and design to examine the characteristic chemical properties and chemical reactions displayed by different classes of organic compounds.
Pathways
A course of study in Chemistry can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of forensic science, environmental science, engineering, medicine, pharmacy and sports science.
What makes a student suited to Chemistry?
Students who achieve success in Chemistry are those who:
- show keen interest in the subject
- are hard workers both in class and outside of class
- have a high ability in Science and Mathematics
What prerequisites must students meet in order to take this subject?
- Assumed knowledge of a previously studied Science subject
- Minimum C level in English, Math and Science
What is the cost of this subject?
Nil - all costs covered by Shared Resource Hire Scheme
What materials or equipment do I need for this subject?
- A4 Exercise book for class use
- Scientific calculator
- BYODX device
- Internet access for digital textbook access
What do students study in this subject and how are they assessed?
| | | Unit Overviews | Assessment |
| Year 10 | Semester 1 | Introduction to Chemistry
The Periodic Table | Data test (14%)
Research investigation (18%)
Unseen examination (25%) |
| | Semester 2 | Chemical reactions
Analytical techniques | Student experiment (18%)
Unseen examination (25%) |
| Year 11 | Unit 1 | Chemical fundamentals — structure, properties and reactions
• Properties and structure of atoms
• Properties and structure of materials
• Chemical reactions —reactants, products and energy change
| Formative internal assessment 1: 25%
• Data test
Formative internal assessment 2: 25%
• Student experiment |
| | Unit 2 | Molecular interactions and reactions
• Intermolecular forces and gases
• Aqueous solutions and acidity
• Rates of chemical reactions | Formative internal assessment 3: 25%
• Research investigation
Formative internal assessment 4: 25%
• Examination |
| Year 12 | Unit 3 | Equilibrium, acids and redox reactions
• Chemical equilibrium systems
• Oxidation and reduction | Summative internal assessment 1 (IA1): 10%
• Data test
Summative internal assessment 2 (IA2): 20%
• Student experiment |
| | Unit 4 | Structure, synthesis and design
• Properties and structure of organic materials
• Chemical synthesis and design | Summative internal assessment 3 (IA3): 20%
• Research investigation
Summative external assessment (EA): 50%
• Examination
|