Chemistry

Length of Course

Full Year

Level

Marian - Year 12

Category

Science

Core or Elective

Elective

Pre-requisites

It is recommended that students wishing to undertake this course have achieved a B- grade or higher in Stage 1 Chemistry or Physics.

Subject Description

Students develop and extend their understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources. They explore examples of how scientific understanding is dynamic and develops with new evidence, which may involve the application of new technologies.

Students consider examples of benefits and risks of chemical knowledge to the wider community, along with the capacity of chemical knowledge to inform public debate on social and environmental issues. The study of Chemistry helps students to make informed decisions about interacting with and modifying nature, and explore options such as green or sustainable chemistry, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of chemical products and processes.

Through the study of Chemistry, students develop the skills that enable them to be questioning, reflective, and critical thinkers; investigate and explain phenomena around them; and explore strategies and possible solutions to address major challenges now and in the future (for example, in energy use, global food supply, and sustainable food production).

Recommendations
It is recommended that students wishing to undertake this course have achieved a B- grade or higher in Stage 1 Chemistry or Physics.

Content
  • Monitoring the environment
  • Managing chemical processes
  • Organic and biological chemistry
  • Managing resources
Assessment

School-based assessment (70%)

  • Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (30%)
  • Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (40%)

External Assessment (30%)

  • Assessment Type 3: Two hour examination (30%)

Students provide evidence of their learning through seven summative assessment tasks including the external examination. Students undertake:

  • Two practical investigations
  • One science as a human endeavour investigation
  • Three skills and applications tasks
  • One external examination

Pathways for Science

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Subject added

Marian - Year 12 - Chemistry