Scotch College

VCE: Chemistry

Rationale

Chemistry is a key science Indeed the development of our modern society has been intimately linked with the successful integration of chemical knowledge into new technologies This will continue with emerging fields such as biotechnology and nanotechnology Studying Chemistry assists the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes which enrich people’s lives and allows them to be scientifically capable members of society

Student Outcomes

Students develop skills to investigate, explore and solve qualitative and quantitative problems and discuss chemical concepts and issues

Course Content

Unit 1: The Big Ideas of Chemistry

This unit investigates the Periodic Table and its relationship to atomic structure and chemical bonding It explores how the properties of substances can be modified to provide new materials

Unit 2: Environmental Chemistry

This unit examines both qualitative and quantitative aspects of water and the atmosphere related to sustaining life and how chemistry is used to respond to the effects of human activities on our environment

Unit 3: Chemical Analysis

AOS 1 Chemical Analysis:

This area of study allows students to investigate the use a variety of analytical and instrumental techniques to analyse products in the laboratory

AOS 2 Organic chemical pathways:

This area of study allows students to investigate systematic organic chemistry, including production including selected functional groups and reaction pathways

Unit 4: Chemistry at Work

AOS 1 Industrial Chemistry:

This area of study focuses on the factors that affect the rate and extent of a chemical reaction and the application of these principles in industrial chemical production

AOS 2 Supplying and Using Energy:

This area of study focuses on use of energy resources, measurement of energy content of substances, batteries, fuel cells and electrolytic cells

Assessment

Units 1 and 2: Semester 1 and 2 Examinations

Common Topic Tests
Question Sets
An extended experimental investigation or a summary report
(concept map) of three practical activities

Unit 3

School Assessed Coursework 17 per cent
Examination 33 per cent

Unit 4