Pre VCE Chemistry

Year Long

This whole-year course has been designed to give students a taste of the topics covered in VCE Chemistry Units 1 to 4. Students will learn all the skills and practices required to work safely within the Chemistry laboratory. Students will then carry out both individual and group projects to learn the basics needed to work at VCE level, as well as having the opportunity to follow areas of passion that arise within the subject. 

This subject is strongly encouraged for anyone planning to study VCE Chemistry

Students will improve upon the following scientific skills using Chemistry as a medium: 

• Questioning and predicting 

• Planning and conducting experiments 

• Processing and analysing data and information 

• Evaluating 

• Communicating

Topics may include, but are not limited to: 

• Differences between elements, compounds and mixtures, and how they can be explained using the particle model 

• Matter is made of: protons, neutrons and electrons 

• Chemical reactions involving rearranging atoms to form new substances 

• Chemical reactions, including combustion and the reactions of acids 

• Arrangement of elements on the periodic table 

• Organic chemistry and the production of fuels 

• Introduction to metallic, ionic and covalent bonding 

• Polymer science and surface chemistry 

Assessment in this subject will be in the form of ongoing learning tasks, which may be in the form of tests, practical investigation reports, research projects and/or scientific posters.

This subject is aimed at students continuing from the Solutions (using Science) program. This subject would interest students who enjoy breaking down chemical reactions and processes, exploring the what and how behind everyday materials and processes, and engaging with interesting practical investigations.