Level 2 Chemistry
Course Description
Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr T. Hill.
Chemistry is the study of matter; what substances are made of and how they react with each other. Level 2 Chemistry course is designed to deepen students' understanding of chemical principles and their applications through the use of experiments and theoretical work.
This course is the first serious study of chemistry. Examples of the topics covered are:
- Atomic structure and bonding - types of solids and bonding & energy changes in reactions.
- Quantitative analysis - ways of finding what is present and how much is present.
- Reactivity - types of reactions, properties of reactions; how fast, energy changes, and completeness of reactions.
- Organic substances and their reactions.
Course Overview
What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
Ach. Standard 91164 Atomic structure and bonding: Understanding the structure of atoms, electron configuration, types of chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, and metallic), and molecular shapes.
Ach. Standard 91161 Quantitative analysis: Learning about the mole concept, stoichiometry, solutions and concentrations, and gas laws. Using titration techniques to investigate the amount of active chemicals in consumer products.
Ach. Standard 91167 Reduction-oxidation: Reactions involving the transfer of electrons between reactants. Understanding redox reactions, oxidation states, and electrochemistry.
Ach. Standard 91166 Chemical Reactivity: Investigate the nature of reversible reactions, the kinetics of reactions, and pH-dependent reactions. Understanding the factors that influence the speed of chemical reactions, explaining how reactions occur at the molecular level, and understanding dynamic equilibrium in chemical reaction
Ach. Standard 91165 Organic: Investigating the properties and reaction pathways of various organic molecules. Exploring the chemistry of carbon compounds, including hydrocarbons, functional groups, and basic organic reactions.
Recommended Prior Learning
To be accepted for this course students should have:
- At least 10 or more Level 1 Science credits at the time of course selection (including achievement in derived grade exams).
- Achieved at the Merit or Excellence level in the C&B 1.2 Chemical Reaction standard.
- Achieved in reading, writing, and numeracy co-requisites.
If students have not met the above requirements, they will need to receive approval from the HOF/TIC (Head of Faculty/Teacher In Charge).
Any student taking two or more courses that require significant time away from school (such as ODED, Dual Enrolment, or Gateway) may find it difficult to cope with the demands of this course. In this case, entry will be subject to an interview with the HOF Science.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Students will need the following equipment in this course:
2 1B5 or 1B8 exercise books
Scientific calculator (does not need to be a graphic calculator)
Level 2 SciPADs - SciPads are on the stationary list. Click on the following link for further information on SciPad Workbooks (https://shorturl.at/eQvnV)
Computer
Pathway
Assessment Information
AS91164: Structure and bonding is a 1 hour external exam taken at the end of the year.AS91165: Organic chemistry is a 1 hour external exam taken at the end of the year.
AS91166: Reactivity is a 1 hour external exam taken at the end of the year.
AS91910: Quantitative chemistry is a titration investigation with a written report completed in term 2.
AS91167: Reduction-Oxidation is a practical investigation where students identify the deferent reactions occuring.
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 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation into a substance present in a consumer product using quantitative analysis
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Disclaimer
Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it. Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.
Costs
The Board of Trustees has again asked to opt into the Ministry of Education donation scheme. Doing so resulted in the ability to waive student fee donations. Kaiapoi High School aims to deliver quality educational courses over and above those that which is funded by the Ministry. It is likely the School will opt into the donation scheme for 2025, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant, may be requested. We appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.