Chemistry is a Leaving Certificate subject offered in 5th and 6th year. A taster course is also offered to our Transition Year students
TY Chemistry
In the TY chemistry taster module, students become familiar with the manipulation and safety considerations of the equipment for a titration. There are eight titrations in the Leaving Certificate Chemistry course, so this is the main practical skill students must acquire.
Students then revise and extend their knowledge of the periodic table. They are introduced to and confirmed in their knowledge of what the table can tell us and the learning it saves once its structure is understood.
A demonstration of the reactivity of group 1 metals is used to discuss the relative reactivity as you descend the group. The uses to which such reactivities are put are then considered, and examples shown.
An introduction to organic chemistry is made using molymod models. Students go on to use this concrete form of learning to understand the general formulas for the Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes.
Subject summary
Chemistry is a descriptive, practical science which requires a good understanding of abstract concepts, the ability to learn definitions, carry out laboratory procedures and a good level of mathematical ability for the many calculations on the course. It provides a variety of activities in the 28 mandated practicals which students enjoy.
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry provides a training in abstract thinking and manipulation of laboratory equipment. It has a variety of challenges - learning, understanding, manipulation of equations and practical work which make for an interesting course.
Course Content
The course is based on the history of the atom, it’s structure and the patterns within the known elements, water, rates o
f reaction, quantitative and organic Chemistry. There is also an option of studying either industrial and environmental Chemistry or the study of materials and electrochemistry. The course includes 28 practicals where the theory can be seen to be ‘real’ and which provide an opportunity for kinaesthetic learning.
Exam Structure
The examination has two sections. A candidate must answer 8 questions in all, including at least two of the three in section A which is based on the practicals. There are a further eight questions in section B of which a maximum of six questions must be answered. Each question is worth 50 marks, the entire paper is therefore worth 400 and must be completed in three hours. There is no element of continuous assessment but practical write ups must be available for inspection by the State Examinations Commission.
Career Possibilities
Chemistry leads to careers in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical manufacturing, Agricultural Science, Forensic Science, Medicine, Engineering, General Science and Biotechnology.