Level 3 Chemistry
13CHE Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs H. Reed-Hadley, Mr S. Wood.
Recommended Prior LearningA minimum of Achieved grades in two external Level 2 Chemistry standards (2.4 Atomic Structure and Bonding and 2.5 Organic Chemistry) or HOF approval.
Why Study NCEA Level Three Chemistry?
NCEA Level Three Chemistry is designed for students who have a genuine passion for understanding the intricate world at the molecular level. Building upon the strong foundations laid in Level Two, this course delves into more advanced theories and complex applications, preparing students for tertiary education and a wide range of scientific careers.
Studying Level Three Chemistry will deepen students' appreciation for how chemical principles work. Students will refine sophisticated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, learning to approach complex scientific challenges with rigour and creativity. This course is not just about memorising facts; it's about developing a profound conceptual understanding and the ability to apply that knowledge to novel situations, making it an invaluable asset for any future scientific or technical pursuit.
What to Expect from the Course
NCEA Level Three Chemistry is a demanding yet immensely rewarding subject that requires a high level of commitment and intellectual curiosity. It significantly extends the concepts from Level Two, introducing new areas of study and requiring a more independent approach to learning.
Key Expectations:
- Advanced Concepts and Abstraction: Be prepared to engage with highly abstract and theoretical concepts, such as advanced equilibrium, organic reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopy. The course demands a strong ability to visualise and manipulate ideas at a molecular level.
- Increased Independence and Self-Directed Learning: While guidance will always be provided, success at this level requires students to take greater ownership of their learning. This includes proactive revision, independent research, and seeking out additional practice problems.
- Rigorous Mathematical Application: The quantitative aspects of chemistry become more pronounced at Level Three. Students will apply advanced mathematical concepts, including logarithms (for pH and equilibrium calculations), stoichiometry with greater complexity, and the manipulation of more intricate formulas. A very strong understanding of Level Two Mathematics is essential, and concurrent study of Level Three Mathematics is highly recommended.
- Sophisticated Literacy Skills: Students will be expected to articulate complex chemical ideas with precision and clarity, both orally and in written form. This includes interpreting advanced scientific literature, designing experiments, analysing data critically, and constructing well-reasoned arguments.
- In-depth Practical Investigations: Practical work will be more sophisticated, requiring meticulous technique, accurate data collection, and detailed analysis. Students will develop advanced laboratory skills and a deeper understanding of experimental design and error analysis. Safety protocols remain paramount.
Preparation for Tertiary Study: This course is specifically designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and university-level chemistry. It will equip students with the foundational knowledge, problem-solving strategies, and study habits necessary to succeed in science, engineering, and health science programmes.
Course Overview
Term 1
REDOX (Internal - 4 weeks)
REDOX delves into advanced oxidation-reduction processes, focusing on the spontaneity of reactions, the use of standard reduction potentials (E∘ values), and the principles governing both electrochemical (voltaic/galvanic) and electrolytic cells.
Studying this standard is crucial as it provides a deep understanding of how chemical energy is converted into electrical energy and vice-versa, which is fundamental to technologies like batteries, fuel cells, and electroplating, and is essential for careers in materials science, energy, environmental remediation, and electrochemistry, while also refining complex problem-solving and analytical skills vital for tertiary science education.
Atomic Structure and Bonding (External - 8 weeks, continuing into Term Two)
This standard builds upon Level 2 concepts by teaching students about advanced atomic structure (including s, p, d notation for electron configurations), detailed periodic trends, complex molecular shapes (up to six electron pairs) and polarity, and the diverse types of intermolecular forces.
Crucially, it delves into the spontaneity of chemical reactions through the concepts of enthalpy and entropy, including calculations using Hess's Law and standard enthalpies of formation.
Studying this standard is vital as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the energy changes that drive all chemical and physical processes, enabling students to predict reaction feasibility and efficiency, which is fundamental to fields like chemical engineering, materials science, environmental science, and pharmaceutical development, while also strengthening high-level analytical and quantitative reasoning skills essential for tertiary science.
Term 2
Aqueous Principles (External - 8 Weeks)
Aqueous principles are completely new. It teaches students about advanced equilibrium concepts in aqueous solutions, specifically focusing on sparingly soluble ionic solids (solubility product, Ks, and factors affecting solubility like common ion effect and complex ion formation) and detailed acid-base chemistry. This includes understanding acid/base strength using Ka (pKa) values, calculating pH for weak acids/bases and salts, and the function of buffer solutions, alongside interpreting acid-base titration curves and selecting appropriate indicators.
Studying this standard is critical as it provides a comprehensive understanding of chemical processes in water, which is fundamental to fields such as environmental science (water quality, pollution), biochemistry (biological pH regulation), medicine (drug solubility, blood buffers), and industrial chemistry (precipitation, solution preparation), while also developing advanced quantitative analysis and problem-solving skills essential for tertiary scientific study.
Term 3
Organic Chemistry (External - 8 Weeks)
Organic Chemistry significantly expands on Level 2 by introducing a wider range of functional groups (e.g., amines, aldehydes, ketones, esters, acyl chlorides, amides) and exploring more complex reaction types, including detailed reaction mechanisms, multi-step synthesis pathways, and advanced isomerism (including optical isomerism). This standard also focuses on distinguishing between organic compounds using a variety of chemical tests and understanding the properties and reactions of important biological organic molecules like amino acids and polymers.
Studying this standard is paramount for anyone aiming for careers in medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, food science, or chemical engineering, as it provides the sophisticated knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to understand drug synthesis, material design, and the intricate chemistry of living systems.
Term 4
Revision
Tem Four is for consolidation and revision of content for the external examinations.
Career Pathways
Mining Engineer, Acupuncturist, Receptionist, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Chemist, Marine Biologist, Medical Physicist, Microbiologist, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist, Metal Worker, Phlebotomist, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Science Technician, Podiatrist, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Psychiatrist, Environmental Scientist, Ranger, Forestry Scientist, Health Services Manager, Pulp and Paper Mill Operator, Radiation Oncologist, Saw Doctor, Wood Processing Worker, Geospatial Specialist, Ophthalmologist
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery$30 Education Perfect
$25 Additional Resources (Bestchoice)
2B8 Exercise book or Refill pad and clearfile
Highlighter x6
Scientific calculator, eg fx-82AU