Aquinas College
Year 12 Chemistry
Although next year timetables are yet to be finalised, course selection is now finished. Any changes to student courses will now take place in January.
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs A. McManaway.
Welcome to Chemistry at Aquinas College. Chemistry is the study of everything in our material world. Chemicals make up everything around us. Chemistry provides understanding of why metals, non-metals and compounds behave the way they do. You will be introduced to Organic Chemistry, the chemistry of carbon, and see why plastics are replacing metals in many everyday items. What is Green Chemistry, biodegradable plastics, and the search for better batteries.
The course builds on your understanding of the particle nature of matter and the structure of the atom. One Achievement Standard is a practical based internal assessment. All of the practical work demonstrates the properties and nature of the chemistry being studied. Chemistry requires the study of what we can see by observing chemical reactions as well as what we can imagine at the particle level as atoms and compounds interact.
Order of Teaching – Redox Internal, structure-bonding and thermochemistry, Qualitative analysis Internal, Organic, Chemical reactivity.
This course is designed to prepare students for concepts and learning in Level 3 Chemistry.
Course Overview
Term 1
Qualitative analysis is the process of using known reactions and observations to work out the presence or absence of specific ions or organic functional groups. It involves making observations, writing equations showing these reactions and describing the process of the investigation.
The Redox Internal Assessment involves the study of corrosion and what is happening at the atomic scale. Oxidation and reduction processes involve the transfer of electrons from one species to another.
Term 2
Structure, Bonding and thermochemistry is getting into the finer details of atoms and ions, how they bond (or hold on to each other) and thus create materials with the properties they have, from being hard, malleable, conductors of electricity or brittle with low melting points.
Organic chemistry is not just the chemistry of life, but the chemistry of all carbon compounds. A rich and diverse group of chemicals that are so important in our lives.
Term 3
Organic chemistry (con't) is not just the chemistry of life, but the chemistry of all carbon compounds. A rich and diverse group of chemicals that are so important in our lives.
Chemical reactivity is looking at how we can change the speed of a reaction. How some reactions can go both forwards and backwards at the same time so that an equilibrium is established where the two reactions are happening at the same time. How acids and bases behave as a family of chemicals and can be either strong or weak depending on whether they dissociate fully or create an equilibrium reaction.
Term 4
Revision for external NCEA examination.
Recommended Prior Learning
It is recommended that students have Achieved 15 credits in Year 11 Science. Gaining Merit or Excellence in AS92021 'Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactions' is advantageous.
Pathway
Learning in chemistry opens up many career opportunities. Some chemists work in laboratories designing new materials that are used in products such as medicines, food and beverage flavourings, superconductors, and vaccines. Studying Chemistry also provides excellent training for a wide range of careers including marketing and project management, environmental science and forensic science. Employers value the skills of numeracy, problem solving, and communication that are integral to all study in Chemistry.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of bonding, structure, properties and energy changes
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the properties of selected organic compounds
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.6 - Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactivity
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.2 - Carry out an investigation into chemical species present in a sample using qualitative analysis
Pathway Tags
Mining Engineer, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Chemist, Microbiologist, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist, Brewer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Physician, Surgeon, Midwife, Chemical Production Operator, Science Technician, Civil Engineer, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Dental Technician, Pharmacist, Dentist, Medical Radiation Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Forensic Scientist, General Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Electronics Trades Worker, Environmental Scientist, Energy/Carbon Auditor, Environmental Engineer, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Plastics Worker, Food Technologist, Veterinarian, Medical Laboratory Technician, Occupational Therapist, Winemaker, Plastics Technician,
Disclaimer
Note that picking a course doesn't guarantee entry.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the year level dean or the Future Pathways team for support and guidance.
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