YEAR 13 CHEMISTRY COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Outline

Overview

Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary AS course at GEMS Wesgreen International School builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts, which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills, which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry is ideal for learners who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science like medicine, engineering etc.

Learning Outcomes

The aims of all subjects state what a teacher may expect to teach and what a student may expect to experience and learn. These aims suggest how the student may be changed by the learning experience.  

The aims of the Science Syllabus are to encourage and enable students to: 

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics 
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them 
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Ongoing Objectives

Our mission at Gems Wesgreen International School is to provide educational benefit through provision of programs to develop learners who are:

• confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
• reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially ready to make a difference.

Unit Overview

The AS course shall be covered in one academic year and shall involve covering the contents in the AS and A level Chemistry syllabus, which are: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. 

Term 1

Approximate length: 12weeks

For blended learning we will provide video links, live demonstrations of practical investigation as well as access to the relevant worksheets and resources that all students will need.

A.  Physical Chemistry                                

Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level and how chemical reactions occur. Based on their analyses, physical chemists may develop new theories, such as how complex structures are formed. Physical chemists often work closely with materials scientists to research and develop potential uses for new materials. Unlike other branches, it deals with the principles of physics underlying all chemical interactions (e.g., gas laws), seeking to measure, correlate, and explain the quantitative aspects of reactions.

Physical chemistry has traditionally given students broad training, and positioned them to work in a variety of scientific careers.

Physical chemistry

1 Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry

2 Atomic structure

3 Chemical bonding

4 States of matter

5 Chemical energetics

6 Electrochemistry

7 Equilibria

8 Reaction kinetics

Inorganic chemistry

9 The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity

Specific National Curriculum Objectives Covered:

2 Atomic structure

• behaviour of beams of protons, neutrons and electrons in electric fields
• distribution of mass and charge within an atom
• shapes of s and p orbitals
• electronic configuration of atoms and ions from proton (atomic) number and charge
• factors influencing the ionisation energies of elements
• successive ionisation energy data of an element and the the position of that element within the Periodic Table

8 Reaction kinetics

• collision theory and the effect of concentration changes on the rate of a reaction.
• effect of temperature: on reaction rates and rate constants and the concept of activation energy
• collision frequency, temperature,  activation energy,  Boltzmann distribution and the rate of a reaction.
• homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts including enzymes

Term 2

Programme of Study 

Assessment

Formative: Throughout the units, the students will complete graded work, quizzes and investigation activities, which allows the teacher to assess the students’ attainment and inform their planning.  

For each unit the students complete topic test. This allows us to see progress across the units and to inform our planning.   

Summative: At the end of term 1, we complete internal tests and mock examinations at the end of the second term. The end of Term Tests and the mock examinations will test students in Papers 1, 2 and 3 as per the AS and A level syllabus.