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For students who want to pursue science-related careers like medicine, engineering, research and more, performing well in HSC Chemistry can make a big difference. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to HSC Chemistry including the key topics covered, study tips, available resources and more.
What is HSC Chemistry?
HSC Chemistry is a Year 12 elective science course focused on the study of matter and its interactions.
The course provides foundational chemistry knowledge and lab skills needed for university courses like medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and more. It emphasises both theoretical and practical learning through lectures, home labs, research projects and exams.
The HSC Chemistry course builds upon the fundamentals covered in junior science courses. It prepares students to apply chemistry principles, conduct scientific investigations, solve quantitative problems, analyse data and evaluate chemical systems in an integrated learning approach aligned with the syllabus set by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
According to the syllabus, the aim of HSC Chemistry is:
💡 The study of Chemistry in Stage 6 enables students to develop an appreciation and understanding of materials and their properties, structures, interactions and related applications. Through applying Working Scientific skills processes, the course aims to examine how chemical theories, models and practices are used and developed.
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Why do students study Chemistry?
1. Prerequisite for college degrees and careers in STEM
Many university degrees, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) require prior chemistry knowledge. These include:
- Medicine, Dentistry
- Pharmacology
- Chemical Engineering
- Biotechnology, Nanotechnology
- Veterinary Science
- Research roles and more
The table below shows some top university undergraduate courses in NSW and their chemistry prerequisites:
2. Develop scientific thinking skills
HSC Chemistry helps you develop critical soft skills like:
- Logical reasoning
- Analysing data
- Problem identification and solving
- Investigating scientific concepts
These transferable competencies are invaluable in university and modern careers.
3. Pursue diverse career options
A strong foundation in HSC Chemistry provides a broad range of lucrative and rewarding career pathways later on, including:
- Scientific Research
- Healthcare
- Renewable Energy
- Mining and Exploration
- Policy Development
- Education
- Environmental Protection
- Manufacturing
So you keep your options open by studying chemistry even if you are unsure of your ultimate career goals right now.
What topics are covered in HSC Chemistry?
Year 11 topics
In Year 11, you will cover four major topics in HSC Chemistry (source: Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus 2017)
Practical investigations are a key part of HSC Chemistry. They refer to laboratory experiments and fieldwork carried out by students first-hand. These must account for a minimum of 35 hours of class time in Year 11 Chemistry.
Properties and Structure of Matter
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Reactive Chemistry
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Drivers of Reactions
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Outcomes
Year 12 topics
In Year 12, you will cover four major topics in HSC Chemistry (source: Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus 2017)
Equilibrium and Acid Reaction
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Acid/Base Reactions
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Organic Chemistry
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Applying Chemical Ideas
Here are the sub-topics and main questions:
Outcomes
Depth studies
Depth studies are student-led investigations that allow in-depth exploration of chemistry concepts beyond the core syllabus. They promote engagement through self-directed learning. In the HSC Chemistry course, a minimum 15 hours must be dedicated to depth studies in both Year 11 and Year 12.
Depth studies can take diverse forms including practical lab work, secondary-sourced research, presentations, theoretical essays, models, documentaries and more. While formats vary, all studies must develop the core skills of questioning, predicting and scientific communication. Additionally, they target at least two other working scientific skills and extend their understanding of chemistry knowledge.
Ideas for practical investigations include designing experiments, and testing claims or devices. Secondary sourced studies involve literature reviews, data analysis, evidence-based arguments, journal articles or environmental plans. Other approaches are creating portfolios or prototypes, analysis of chemistry in art, or fieldwork with community experts.
Chemistry Extension
For students who are really into HSC Chemistry, they can complete the Chemistry Extension.
The Chemistry Extension is:
- Only available to Year 12 students
- Worth 1 Unit (as with other Extension Units)
- To be taken alongside at least one 2-Unit Science Subject
- Examined with 3 assessments in total, just like all new-syllabus subjects.
Generally speaking, this is what Science Extension subjects cover:
Are there any prerequisites for HSC Chemistry?
In New South Wales, there are a few prerequisites students need to complete before taking HSC Chemistry:
Junior Science
- Students must complete at least one year of a junior high school science course. This provides foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
Mathematics
- Basic math skills are essential for chemistry. Students need to complete courses in:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Functions
- Calculus
Recommended Electives
- The following elective courses in junior high school can help prepare students for HSC Chemistry:
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Laboratory Science
- Geology
- Computer Science
Literacy
- Strong reading comprehension and writing skills are needed to analyse chemistry texts, follow lab instructions, take notes, and communicate experimental findings.
💡 So in summary, the key prerequisites are:
- 1 year of junior science
- Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions, and calculus
- Electives in chemistry, science, and computer science
- Literacy skills
What skills/capabilities are required to do HSC Chemistry?
HSC Chemistry is a challenging, rewarding course that builds critical knowledge as well as scientific skills. Key capabilities students need to excel in this course include:
1. Strong Command of Prerequisites
You must have an an excellent grasp of prerequisite concepts covered in Year 10 Science/Advanced Science and Math like:
- Atomic structure
- Chemical equations and calculations
- Laboratory safety procedures and techniques
This forms the foundation for learning the advanced HSC chemistry syllabus effectively.
2. Logic and Analytical Thinking
You need strong logic, analytical and problem-solving skills to:
- Interpret complex chemical reactions
- Derive quantitative formulas
- Analyse research data and results
- Draw scientifically sound conclusions
For example, calculating the concentration of reactants in a redox titration requires step-wise quantitative reasoning.
3. Research and ICT Skills
HSC Chemistry projects and assignments require good research techniques and ICT skills to:
- Find reliable sources of scientific information
- Select appropriate methods for Internet research
- Use spreadsheets, datasets, and modelling software confidently
- Analyse findings and create effective visual representations
What type of students should do HSC Chemistry?
HSC Chemistry best suits students who:
- Have strong grades in prior science courses: a track record of good performance in Year 9 and Year 10 Science indicates you can handle the academic rigour required for HSC Chemistry.
- Are considering a university degree or career in STEM: students aiming for college majors like Biomedical Science or Engineering should strongly consider taking Chemistry in senior school to meet university prerequisites later on.
- Enjoy scientific inquiry and laboratory work: if you like designing experiments, using lab equipment comfortably and analysing results methodically, HSC Chemistry will be a good fit for your talents and interests.
- Possess good quantitative and problem-solving aptitude: aptitude with numbers, mathematical formulas and logical analysis helps hugely in tackling complex quantitative chemistry problems.
How is HSC Chemistry assessed?
HSC Chemistry students are assessed through a combination of school-based assessments and external examinations.
1. School-Based Assessments (50%)
Around 50% of your overall HSC mark in Chemistry comes from assessments conducted at school during the course. These include:
- Practical Investigations: Students complete lab experiments that are formally written up as scientific reports. These assess your technical and analytical abilities.
- Depth Studies: Research projects and assignments that evaluate in-depth understanding of chemistry concepts and ability to interpret findings.
- Examinations: Your school also conducts end-of-year chemistry exams.
School assessments allow examiners to evaluate application of knowledge in practical contexts over time.
The school-based assessments are marked by looking at two main criteria (source: Assessment and Reporting in Chemistry Stage 6)
2. HSC Exam (50%)
The remaining 50% weight percentage comes from the 3-hour HSC Chemistry examination conducted by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). This evaluates:
- Theoretical and conceptual knowledge
- Problem-solving skills
- Quantitative analysis ability
The examination questions are usually structured and may have multiple choice sections testing fundamentals as well as detailed long answer questions assessing in-depth understanding.
Here are some more details about the exams:
- The examination will consist of a written paper worth 100 marks.
- The time allowed is 3 hours plus 5 minutes reading time.
- A data sheet, formulae sheet and Periodic Table will be provided.
- NESA approved calculators may be used.
- There will be approximately equal weighting given to Modules 5 to 8. Questions relating to Working Scientifically Skills will be integrated throughout the examination.
- The HSC Chemistry exams contain two sections (source: Assessment and Reporting in Chemistry Stage 6):
Here are some links to past HSC exams:
Scaling of Scores
HSC Chemistry scores undergo a scaling process after students complete their exams. There are a few reasons scaling is used:
- To account for differences in difficulty across school-based assessments during the year. Assessments vary between schools so scaling helps standardise final marks.
- To adjust for annual differences in difficulty of the HSC Chemistry exam set by NESA. Exams change every year, so scaling ensures students are not disadvantaged by a tougher exam.
- To align raw marks to statewide ranked bands from Band 1 to Band 6. As thousands of students across NSW take each course, statistical scaling transforms score distributions into a standardised statewide ranking.
In summary, scaling aims to provide a fair comparison of student performance in HSC Chemistry across schools and between years. It enables the conversion of raw scores from differently difficult assessments into a banded ranking reflecting statewide standards and facilitating university admissions
Head here for additional study techniques to enhance your understanding and excel in HSC Chemistry.
How to succeed in HSC Chemistry?
- Attend all practical lessons and properly document experiments: actively participate in lab sessions at school and precisely follow protocols around measurements, equipment usage, safety etc. Carefully record readings as you perform experiments and neatly compile the findings into structured scientific reports later. These investigation skills are evaluated in depth studies and practical exams.
- Practice past paper questions: make it a habit to solve chemistry questions from previous HSC exam papers, especially long answer questions testing complex quantitative analysis. This will give you a feel for the structure and level of questions likely to appear in your finals. Review the marking criteria to understand what examiners expect in high scoring answers.
- Balance theoretical knowledge and numerical problems: the HSC exam tests both conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving abilities in chemistry. So your exam preparation must give equal weight to learning theories as well as practising calculations using formulas across organic, inorganic and physical chemistry topics.
- Clear any gaps in prerequisites: revise important chemistry basics like atomic structure, chemical equations, stoichiometry etc covered earlier in Years 10 and 11. If you skipped or forgot earlier content, it will trip you up when building advanced HSC knowledge.
- Attempt practice tests in timed settings: when attempting trial tests during exam preparation, create exam conditions at home using timers to help calibrate your question solving pace. This will prevent time management issues affecting your real HSC exam performance.
What resources are available for HSC Chemistry?
There are many useful study resources HSC Chemistry students can utilise:
1. Textbooks
Popular textbooks like "HSC Chemistry 7th Edition" (Cambridge) and "Chemistry in Focus" (Jacaranda) provide in-depth coverage aligned with the NSW Chemistry syllabus. They feature revision questions, past exam papers, and practice tests.
2. Online Resources
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) offers official chemistry sample exams, marking guides, and study guides for free download from their website.
Other helpful online resources include:
- Khan Academy’s HSC Chemistry videos and quizzes
- Chemist Warehouse’s series on core chemistry concepts
- Save My HSC videos demonstrating chemical reactions
3. Tutoring Services
Getting a personalised HSC Chemistry tutor can greatly accelerate exam preparation. Apex Tuition Australia provides expert HSC math tutors who finished in the top 3% of the state and excelled in Chemistry earning a Band 6. Lessons are structured around comprehending challenging concepts, honing problem-solving skills, and building exam technique. This targeted coaching delivers confidence and results when it matters most.
