Chemistry 2 unit

Year 11 (Preliminary) Course [Board Developed] 2 units
Year 12 (HSC) Course [Board Developed] 2 units

The new Chemistry syllabus has been developed using the established NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabus development process. The syllabus includes Australian curriculum content and reflects the new directions of the Stronger HSC Standards reforms.

(Students in ESL English may struggle with the literacy and language requirements of the Chemistry course.)

Chemistry can be studied ON ITS OWN or alongside ONE or TWO other Science courses.

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the interaction between them. Chemical reactions are at the heart of all processes within our bodies and in the world around us, including the natural world and the industrial world. In our bodies we can use chemistry to explain metabolism and other biological processes that keep us healthy. Chemical understanding is also used to develop useful new materials, pharmaceuticals, food products and industrial processes. It is an interesting subject for people who seek a better understanding of why objects, substances and living things undergo the rapid or slow changes that we observe every day. The rusting of an old car is a good example of this. 

The coursework involves the exploration of chemistry laws and principles through experiments such as acid-base titrations, combustion reactions and redox reactions. There is a strong emphasis on writing and balancing chemical equations and making calculations to to solve problems. 

Related careers areas include: 

• Medical science 
• Environmental / forensic scientific investigation 
• Waste control / pollution regulation 
• Mining and petroleum industries 
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnological research and development 
• Clinical pathology / hospitals / microbiology laboratories 
• Industrial technology 

The Chemistry course builds on particular understandings, skills and attitudes that students have acquired during their K-10 Science course. 

Students from 10A1 and 10A2 as well as high performing students from other classes can be considered.

Modules Covered