Chemistry

In their study of Stage 2 Chemistry, 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.

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

20 credits of Stage 1 Chemistry at a B grade or better. A solid understanding of Stage 1 Chemistry content is assumed knowledge for this course.

CONTENT
Stage 2 Chemistry is a 20-credit subject.

Stage 2 Chemistry consists of the following four topics:

Topic 1: Monitoring the environment
Topic 2: Managing chemical processes
Topic 3: Organic and biological chemistry
Topic 4: Managing resources

Students study all four topics. The topics can be sequenced and structured to suit individual groups of students.

ASSESSMENT

Students are assessed using the SACE Performance Standards.

At Stage 2, 70% of the assessment is school-based and externally moderated by the SACE Board, while the remaining 30% is assessed through an external examination marked by the SACE Board.

The weightings for the assessment tasks are:

School assessment (70%)

• Investigations Folio (30%)
• Skills and Applications Tasks (40%)

External assessment (30%)

• Examination (30%).

Students provide evidence of their learning through six or seven assessments, as outlined in the Learning and Assessment Plan (LAP):

• one or two practical investigations
• one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
• three or four skills and applications tasks
• one external examination.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Successful completion of Chemistry at Stage 2 prepares students for entry to tertiary courses where chemistry content knowledge is assumed or a prerequisite for enrolment.

Year 12 Chemistry is a valuable subject that can lead to a variety of career paths, particularly in science and technology fields. Here are some careers where chemistry is particularly useful:

• Pharmacy: becoming a pharmacist or working in pharmaceutical research and development
• Chemical engineering: designing and developing chemical processes for manufacturing
• Medicine and healthcare: roles such as doctor, dentist, or medical researcher
• Environmental science: working as an environmental chemist or in pollution control
• Forensic science: applying chemistry in criminal investigations and laboratory analysis
• Biotechnology: engaging in research and development in genetics, agriculture, or food science
• Education: teaching chemistry at a secondary or tertiary level
• Materials Science: developing new materials, such as polymers or nanomaterials.