The study of VCE Chemistry involves investigating and analysing the composition and behaviour of matter, and the chemical processes involved in producing useful materials for society in ways that minimise adverse effects on human health and the environment. Chemistry underpins the generation of energy for use in homes and industry, the maintenance of clean air and water, the production of food, medicines and new materials, and the treatment of wastes.
It is understood that entry to Units 3 and 4 of this study is dependent upon a student achieving a satisfactory level of competence in the study of Units 1 and 2 of Chemistry, since most of the content of Units 3 and 4 builds upon prior knowledge and skills.
Students analyse and compare different fuels as energy sources for society, with reference to the energy transformations and chemical reactions involved, energy efficiencies, environmental impacts and potential applications. They explore food in the context of supplying energy in living systems. The purpose, design and operating principles of galvanic cells, fuel cells, rechargeable cells and electrolytic cells are considered when evaluating their suitability for supplying society’s needs for energy and materials. They evaluate chemical processes with reference to factors that influence their reaction rates and extent. They investigate how the rate of a reaction can be controlled so that it occurs at the optimum rate while avoiding unwanted side reactions and by-products. Students conduct practical investigations involving thermochemistry, redox reactions, electrochemical cells, reaction rates and equilibrium systems.
Areas of Study:
What are the current and future options for supplying energy?
How can the rate and yield of chemical reactions be optimised?
Carbon is the basis not only of the structure of living tissues but is also found in fuels, foods, medicines, polymers and many other materials that we use in everyday life. In this unit students investigate the structures and reactions of carbon-based organic compounds, including considering how green chemistry principles are applied in the production of synthetic organic compounds. They study the metabolism of food and the action of medicines in the body. They explore how laboratory analysis and various instrumentation techniques can be applied to analyse organic compounds in order to identify them and to ensure product purity.
Students conduct practical investigations related to the synthesis and analysis of organic compounds, involving reaction pathways, organic synthesis, identification of functional groups, direct redox titrations, solvent extraction and distillations.
Areas of Study:
How are organic compounds categorised and synthesised?
How are organic compounds analysed and used?
How is scientific inquiry used to investigate the sustainable production of energy and/or materials?
The assessment is a mix of School Assessed Coursework and an external examination:
Contribution to final assessment – Unit 3
School-assessed Coursework for Unit 3 will contribute 20 percent to the study score.
Contribution to final assessment – Unit 4
School-assessed Coursework for Unit 4 will contribute 30 percent of the study score.
Contribution to final assessment - Examination
November Examination (content of Unit 3 and Unit 4) – 50 percent of the study score.
For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below:
Students will need a scientific calculator
Students will order the textbook, workbook and Chemistry Units 3 and 4 Checkpoints book from the booklist
Edrolo Units 3 & 4 Chemistry Resource will be purchased and distributed to students by the school (this will be charged on your College account)