Stage 1 Chemistry A
Length of Course
Level
Learning Area
Core or Specialist
Pre-requisites
Pre-SACE Chemistry
Subject Description
Students begin the course by revising atomic structure and the basic chemical bonding concepts covered in Years 8-10.
Students study in more depth the concepts and skills associated with ionic, covalent and metallic bonding. Students then study chemical reactions with an emphasis on writing full chemical and ionic equations as well as the energy changes within the reaction.
Finally, the students are introduced to organic chemistry where they develop skills in systematically naming and grouping organic compounds, learn how properties are related to functional groups present in a compound and explore the procedures of fermentation and polymerisation.
Students wishing to do Stage 2 Chemistry require successful completion of Stage 1 Chemistry A and B.
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
- Chemical bonding types
- Chemical and ionic equations
- Energy changes within reactions
- Naming and grouping organic compounds
- The properties of functional groups
Students show evidence of their learning through five assessment tasks, each of which has a weighting of 20%. These include at least one practical investigation, at least one Issues Investigation and a semester examination. The remaining two tasks may include tests, practical reports, or another Issues Investigation. One of these tasks will involve collaborative work.
Stage 2 Chemistry
Pathways for Science
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