What is it and why should I do it?
VCE Chemistry enables students to investigate a range of chemical, biochemical and geophysical phenomena through the exploration of the nature of chemicals and chemical processes. Sustainability principles, concepts and goals are used to consider how useful materials for society may be produced with the least possible adverse effects on human health and the environment. In undertaking this study, students apply chemical principles to explain and quantify the behaviour of matter, as well as undertake practical activities that involve the analysis and synthesis of a variety of materials.
In Unit One students will investigate the chemical structures and properties of a range of materials, including covalent compounds, metals, ionic compounds and polymers. They are introduced to ways that chemical quantities are measured. They consider how manufacturing innovations lead to more sustainable products being produced for society through the use of renewable raw materials and a transition from a linear economy towards a linear economy.
In Unit Two students explore the physical and chemical properties of water, the reactions that occur in water and various methods of water analysis.
Students examine the polar nature of a water molecule and the inter-molecular forces between water molecules. They explore the relationship between these bonding forces and the physical and chemical properties of water. Students investigate solubility, concentration, pH and reactions in water including precipitation, acid-base and redox. Students are introduced to stoichiometry and to analytical techniques and instrumental procedures and apply these to determine concentrations of different species in water samples.
Click here to watch Ms Petricca discuss Chemistry with Evin Turan and Ella and Ruby Berlowitz.
What will I do in class?
In most classes a new chemical concept will be introduced, and you will have time to discuss this and work through examples with your teacher and classmates. You will have some time to work on practise problems in class. Experimental work is completed on a regular basis, which makes the theory "come alive".
How much homework will I have?
Most of the essential topic review questions will need to be completed for homework. You would have at least 30 minutes of homework on each night you have a chemistry class, with more over the weekend and leading up to assessments.
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
To gain an S for any VCE subject you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes. In Chemistry, the Outcomes involve being able to apply the theory studied in the course.
You will meet the Outcomes through your results on topic tests for each topic and participation in class discussions as well as completion of the set coursework.
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s performance on attendance and completing and submitting set work requirements designated for the unit.
Unit 1: The big ideas of chemistry
- SAC 1 - Experimentally based task on a selected topic
- SAC 2 - Research Poster
- Topic tests
- Exam 1
Unit 2: Environmental Chemistry Assessment
- SAC 3 - Experimentally based task a on selected topic
- SAC 4 - Experimental Design
- Topic tests
- Exam 2