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People have always been fascinated by the world around them and chemistry is the study of the substances that make up the universe. From the time people worked out how to create fire, chemistry has been at the forefront of exciting discoveries such as the structure of DNA and the use of semiconductors in electronics. Chemistry looks at the behaviour of substances, the changes they undergo to create new ones and the reactions between them. Yet it is more than what happens at a micro level, it is about what it is that makes us, our materials and everything around us. Ākonga learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to analyse scientific information, conduct experiments and research. Chemistry is essential for careers in a wide range of areas including medicine, pharmacy, engineering, environmental science, wine making and food technology.
This course takes a deeper look at what helps create our world, and takes the concepts discussed in Level 2 to a more advanced level. There is a focus on the role of energy and using particles at the microscopic level to explain the properties observed at the macroscopic level.
Topics introduced include electronic structures and spontaneity of reactions including electrochemical processes. Spectroscopic analysis of organic compounds is also investigated. Since quantitative analysis is involved with chemistry, confidence in general mathematics, simple algebra and graphs is useful and the course is aimed at ākonga going on to tertiary studies in chemistry.
Note: AS91389: Demonstrate understanding of chemical processes in the world around us requires a good understanding of Level 3 Chemistry and so should be completed near the end of the course.
NCEA Level 2 Chemistry or equivalent.
| Standard | Description | Version | Credits | Assessment | L1 Lit/Num | UE Lit/Num | Vocational Pathways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91388 | Demonstrate understanding of spectroscopic data in chemistry | 2 | 3 | Internal | CoConstruction and Infrastructure recommended standard MaManufacturing and technology recommended standard PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91389 | Demonstrate understanding of chemical processes in the world around us | 2 | 3 | Internal | UElwraUE literacy writing and reading achievement standard |
CoConstruction and Infrastructure recommended standard MaManufacturing and technology recommended standard PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91390 | Demonstrate understanding of thermochemical principles and the properties of particles and substances | 2 | 5 | External | CoConstruction and Infrastructure recommended standard MaManufacturing and technology recommended standard PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91391 | Demonstrate understanding of the properties of organic compounds | 2 | 5 | External | CoConstruction and Infrastructure recommended standard MaManufacturing and technology recommended standard PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SeService Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91392 | Demonstrate understanding of equilibrium principles in aqueous systems | 2 | 5 | External | UEnaUE numeracy achievement standard |
CoConstruction and Infrastructure recommended standard MaManufacturing and technology recommended standard PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91393 | Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction processes | 2 | 3 | Internal | CoConstruction and Infrastructure recommended standard MaManufacturing and technology recommended standard PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |