Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?
The development and use of materials for specific purpose is an important human endeavour. In this unit students investigate the chemical properties and practical applications of a range of materials including metals, crystals, polymers, nanomaterials and giant lattices. They explore and explain the relationships between properties, structure and boding focus within and between particles that vary in size from the visible through to nanoparticles, molecules and atoms. Students are introduced to quantitative concepts in chemistry.
Unit 2: What makes water such a unique chemical?
Water is the most widely sued solvent on Earth. In this unit students explore the physical and chemical properties of water, the reactions that occur in water and various methods of water analysis. Students examine the structure and bonding within and between water molecules in order to investigate solubility, concentration, pH and reactions in water including precipitation, acid-base and redox. They are introduced to stoichiometry and to analytical techniques and instrumental procedures analysis, and apply these to determine concentrations of different species in water samples, including chemical contaminants. Students explore the solvent properties of water in variety of contexts and analyse selected issues associated with substances dissolved in water.