HSC Chemistry

Year 11 Syllabus

MODULE 1 - Properties and Structure of Matter

Matter can be either pure substances with distinct, measurable properties, or mixtures with properties that are dependent on the identity and relative amounts of the constituent substances. The analysis of these properties has led to the expansion of the periodic table of elements and the advancement of atomic theory. This understanding has allowed for the development of complex models that have contributed to advances in many disciplines over time.

Core Content:

• Properties of matter
• Atomic structure and atomic mass
• Periodicity
• Bonding

MODULE 2 - Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry

In this module, students focus on designing and evaluating investigations that enable them to obtain quantitative data to help them solve problems related to quantitative chemistry. They learn to quantify reactions in order to make predictions about yields and communicate with specific audiences for specific purposes.

Core Content:

• Chemical reactions and stoichiometry
• Mole concept
• Concentration and molarity
• Gas laws

MODULE 3 - Reactive Chemistry

In this module, students focus on designing and conducting investigations to obtain and process data and evaluate the processes most appropriately in relation to chemical reactions. They study how chemicals react, the changes in matter and energy that take place during these reactions, and how these chemical reactions and changes relate to the chemicals used in everyday life.

Core Content:

• Chemical reactions
• Predicting reactions of metals
• Rates of reactions

MODULE 4 - Drivers of Reactions

Students investigate factors that initiate and drive a reaction. They examine the relationship between enthalpy and entropy in calculating the Gibbs free energy, and the roles that enthalpy and entropy play in the spontaneity of reactions. In this module students learn that all chemical reactions involve the creation of new substances and have associated energy transformations.

Core Content:

• Energy changes in chemical reactions
• Enthalpy and Hess's Law
• Entropy and Gibbs free energy

Year 12 Syllabus

MODULE 5 - Equilibrium and Acid Reactions

This module addresses the concepts of equilibrium in both qualitative and quantitative approaches for students to explore the nature of chemical reactions. Students use Le Chatelier’s principle to predict and analyse reactions, with reference to conceptual models, analogies, graphical representations and mathematical models. Students link thermodynamics and energy to equilibrium and the analysis of reactions, including solubility and dissolution.

Core Content:

• Static and dynamic equilibrium
• Factors that affect equilibrium
• Calculating the Equilibrium Constant (K_eq)
• Solution equilibria

MODULE 6 - Acid/Base Reactions

Students analyse how and why the definitions of both an acid and a base have changed over time, and how the current definitions characterise the many chemical reactions of acids. Acids react in particular ways to a variety of substances. These reactions follow a pattern that students identify and explore in detail.

Core Content:

• Properties of acids and bases
• Using Brønsted–Lowry Theory
• Quantitative analysis

MODULE 7 - Organic Chemistry

This module focuses on the principles and applications of chemical synthesis in the field of organic chemistry. Students investigate the many classes of organic compounds and their characteristic chemical reactions. By considering the primary, secondary and tertiary structures of organic materials, students gain an understanding of the properties of materials.

Core Content:

• Nomenclature
• Hydrocarbons
• Products of reactions involving hydrocarbons
• Alcohols
• Reactions of organic acids and bases
• Polymers

MODULE 8 - Applying Chemical Ideas

In this module students investigate a range of methods used to identify and measure quantities of chemicals. They investigate and process data involving the identification and quantification of ions present in aqueous solutions. Students describe and evaluate the application of chemistry to scientific research, medicine, environmental management and industries.

Core Content:

• Analysis of inorganic substances
• Analysis of organic substances
• Chemical synthesis and design

Useful Chemistry Learning Resources

• Khan Academy
• Thought Co.
• Chemguide
• Interactive Periodic Table
• Exploring Chemical Elements Through the Periodic Table

You can find more websites of interest relating to chemistry on our Resources page.