Chemistry

Chemistry provides students with a contemporary and coherent understanding of matter and its interactions. It focuses on investigating the physical and chemical properties of substances, chemical reactions and processes, and the interaction of energy and matter, and attempts to explain and predict events at the atomic and molecular level.

The study of Chemistry provides learning experiences through which students will:

• acquire knowledge and understanding about fundamental concepts related to matter and its interactions, the historical development of those concepts and their application to personal, social, economic, technological and environmental situations
• progress from the consideration of specific data and knowledge to the understanding of models and concepts and to the use of generalised terms related to chemistry in their explanations, from the collection and organisation of information to problem-solving and from the use of simple communication skills to those which are more sophisticated
• develop positive attitudes towards the study of matter and its interactions, the environment and opinions held by others, recognising the importance of evidence and the use of critical evaluation of differing scientific opinions related to various aspects of chemistry.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of:

• the history of chemistry
• the nature and practice of chemistry
• applications and uses of chemistry
• the implications of chemistry for society and the environment
• current issues, research and developments in chemistry
• atomic structure, the periodic table and bonding
• energy
• chemical reactions, including acid/base reactions and chemical equilibrium
• carbon chemistry
• stoichiometry.

Students will develop further skills in:

• planning investigations
• conducting investigations
• communicating information and understanding
• developing scientific thinking and problem-solving techniques
• working individually and in teams.

Students will develop positive values about and attitudes towards:

• themselves, others, learning as a lifelong process, chemistry and the environment.

A syllabus is a document that gives teachers an outline of what students are to be taught in a specific learning area.

The syllabus and other supporting material for Chemistry 11-12 are available from the Board of Studies