People have always been fascinated by the world around them and chemistry is the study of the substances that make up the universe. From the time people worked out how to create fire, chemistry has been at the forefront of exciting discoveries such as the structure of DNA and the use of semiconductors in electronics. Chemistry looks at the behaviour of substances, the changes they undergo to create new ones and the reactions between them. Yet it is more than what happens at a micro level, it is about what it is that makes us, our materials and everything around us. Ākonga learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to analyse scientific information, conduct experiments and research. Chemistry is essential for careers in a wide range of areas including medicine, pharmacy, engineering, environmental science, wine making and food technology.
This course takes a deeper look at what helps create our world, and takes the concepts discussed in Level 2 to a more advanced level. There is a focus on the role of energy and using particles at the microscopic level to explain the properties observed at the macroscopic level.
Topics introduced include electronic structures and spontaneity of reactions including electrochemical processes. Spectroscopic analysis of organic compounds is also investigated. Since quantitative analysis is involved with chemistry, confidence in general mathematics, simple algebra and graphs is useful and the course is aimed at ākonga going on to tertiary studies in chemistry.
Note: AS91389: Demonstrate understanding of chemical processes in the world around us requires a good understanding of Level 3 Chemistry and so should be completed near the end of the course.
NCEA Level 2 Chemistry or equivalent.
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