Chemistry Units 3&4
What is it and why should I do it?
Chemistry is a subject for students who are interested in the chemical processes that occur on Earth and beyond. Topics covered include Energy, its production and use; carbon-based compounds, pathway of production and investigation using current analytical techniques; industrial Chemistry, considering rates of reactions and equilibrium constraints the chemistry of biological compounds. The course builds on work done in Unit 1 &2 Chemistry but is mainly new content.
How much homework/study will I have?
All Unit 3 and 4 subjects require 3 – 5 hours of study per week.
Chapter review questions and worksheets will need to be completed for homework. It is expected that students will review notes competed in class, each night after class, and more homework will be required studying for assessments.
What contributes to my study score?
3 SACs and 2 end of year Exams
Sac 1 – Comparision and evaluation of chemical concepts, methodologies and methods
and findings from at least two practical activities 10%
Sac 2 – Analysis and evaluation of primary and / or secondary data, including identified
assumptions or data limitations, and conclusions 10%
Sac 3 – Spectroscopic techniques: Response to structured questions 10%
SAC 4 – Volumetric Analysis: A report 10%
SAC 5 – Extended experimental (Research based on Electrochemistry) 10%
Exam – 2.5 hours external assessment 50%
How do I Satisfactorily Complete the unit?
To pass any VCE subject you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes. In Chemistry you meet the Outcomes primarily through completion of coursework, participation in class discussion, practical work and SACs.
Unit 3
AOS 1 Outcome 1
Students should be able to compare fuels quantitatively with reference to combustion products and energy outputs, apply knowledge of the electrochemical series to design, construct and test primary cells and fuel cells, and evaluate the sustainability of electrochemical cells in producing energy for society.
AOS 2 Outcome 2
Students should be able to experimentally analyse chemical systems to predict how the rate and extent of chemical reactions can be optimised, explain how electrolysis is involved in the production of chemicals, and evaluate the sustainability of electrolytic processes in producing useful materials for society.
Unit 4
AOS 1 Outcome 1
Students should be able to analyse the general structures and reactions of the major organic families of compounds, al structures and reactions of the major organic families of compounds, design reaction pathways for organic synthesis, and evaluate the sustainability of the manufacture of organic compounds used in society.
AOS 2 Outcome 2
Students should be able to apply qualitative and quantitative tests to analyse organic compounds and their structural characteristics, deduce structures of organic compounds using instrumental analysis data, explain how some medicines function, and experimentally analyse how some natural medicines can be extracted and purified.
AOS 3 Outcome 3
Students should be able to design and conduct a scientific investigation related to the production of energy and /or chemical and / or the analysis or synthesis of organic compounds, and present an aim, methodology and method, results, discussion and conclusion in a scientific poster.
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