Level 3 Science - Chemistry II (CHE303)

In Senior Chemistry, students study the materials that make up all matter around us, the properties of these substances and the way they change. This allows us to understand the chemistry going on in the world around us, such as in the foods we eat, the metals and plastics we use, the fuels we burn and the medicines we take to be healthy.

The importance of Senior Chemistry

Chemistry can be described as the 'central science', as an understanding of chemistry is closely related to a range of other science disciplines (e.g. biology, medicine, engineering and environmental sciences). As a school subject, Chemistry complements both Biology and Physics; Biology as it helps to understand the chemical processes that occur in living things, and Physics as both subjects involve the study of the behaviour of matter.

Studying chemistry is important as it helps us learn about the world that we live in. An understanding of chemistry allows us to make educated choices about the materials, products and foods that we use. Chemistry allows us to understand and solve key problems facing our Earth today, like climate change, the use of water, food shortages, antibiotic resistance and curing diseases.

What pathways does Senior Chemistry lead to?

Studying Chemistry at school leads on to a range of science and health related qualifications and careers. Examples include: Analytical Chemist, Nursing, Laboratory Technician, Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science and Environmental Science.

Students need to be aware that some tertiary courses require students to have passed the three externals for entry. Level 3 Organic is offered as part of Level 2 course.

What will be covered in the Senior Chemistry Programmes?

Level 3 Chemistry:

This course builds on what was learnt in Level 2 Chemistry, covering the topics of organic chemistry, spectroscopy, redox, practical investigations, thermochemistry and aqueous systems, which will be important in first year tertiary courses in a range of disciplines. The chemistry of ‘everyday life’ will be a focus throughout.

Highly motivated and dedicated Level 3 students have the opportunity to prepare for Scholarship Chemistry at Sacred Heart College. This course develops the topics studied in Year 12. The course emphasises the relationship of chemistry to everyday life and explains common practices in terms of particle interaction. Chemistry is fundamental to Health Sciences, Forensic Science and Engineering. This course provides the opportunity to gain credits towards the numeracy requirements for University Entrance.