Year 11 (new syllabus). The smart way to prepare for your HSC.

Modules 1-3: Properties and Structure of Matter; Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry ; Reactive Chemistry

This course is a part of the new Stage 6 Chemistry Syllabus and provides consolidation of the key content and skills from the three core modules: Properties and Structure of Matter, Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry and Reactive Chemistry. There is a focus on those cognitive skills needed to access and apply chemical knowledge in an HSC assessment context and the higher order thinking needed to push student achievement towards Band 6.

The workshops are activity based whereby you will explore and apply chemical knowledge and skills using a combination of lectures, tutorials and problem-solving sessions with immediate feedback from teachers. In short, this course is designed to review key concepts and skills with a view to maximising results in a variety of chemistry assessment tasks.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• answer a range of questions covering the content, concepts and skills in each of the modules
• critically evaluate your own and others' answers to improve the quality of responses to assessment tasks
• identify the relationships between key concepts in each of the modules
• apply strategies for problem solving to improve the quality and accuracy of responses to assessment tasks
• critically analyse experimental methods and comment meaningfully on validity, reliability and accuracy
• analyse, process and apply quantitative chemical data to solve problems.

Content

(Aligned to NESA Syllabus Reference Points)

Selected subtopics within Module 1 Properties and Structure of Matter will be covered:

• Properties of Matter
• Atomic Structure and Atomic Mass
• Periodicity
• Bonding

Seleted subtopics within Module 2 Quantitative Chemistry will be covered:

• Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry
• Mole Concept
• Concentration and Molarity
• Gas Laws

Selected subtopics within Module 3 Reactive Chemistry will be covered:

• Chemical Reactions
• Predicting Reactions of Metals
• Rates of Reaction

Relevant Skills from the Working Scientifically module will also be covered. In particular, some of the more challenging topics, such as:

• Electron shells/energy levels, sub-orbitals, electron configuration, spdf notation
• Bonding including electron-dot diagrams, electronegativity, intermolecular forces
• Naming of compounds
• Reaction types and equations
• Calculations including
• Empirical and molecular formula
• Moles
• Avagadro’s constant
• Concentration
• Dilution
• Limiting Reagents
• Gas laws
• Redox reactions and electrochemistry.

Intended audience

Current Year 11 chemistry students.

Delivery style

Delivered as a one-day activity-based workshop where students explore and apply chemistry knowledge and skills in a combination of lectures, tutorials and problem-solving sessions while receiving immediate feedback.

Materials

You will be provided with a course booklet (electronic copy) using Dropbox which covers relevant syllabus dot points for this module.

Bring your own device

You are required to bring your own device (Windows or Mac) and a power cord. Please ensure your device is fully charged as access to power is limited.

Please note that University does not carry any responsibility for your lost, stolen, or damaged devices whilst on the University premises.

Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide

While you progress through this journey and also the conclusion of your schooling life, we know you’ll have a lot on your mind – exams, future study, careers – but remember, while keeping focused on these bigger goals and aspirations, it’s also important not to forget your own health and well-being.

For tips on staying motivated and keeping focused, dealing with anxiety, keeping healthy, relaxation, pre-study exercise and more, read our article Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide.