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, atomic structure and the patterns occurring in the known elements. It also includes sections on water, electrochemistry, rates of reaction, and quantitative and organic Chemistry. The course at present includes 28 practicals where the theory can be seen to be ‘real’ and which offers an opportunity for kinaesthetic learning. For those starting Senior Chemistry in 2025 there will also be a requirement to complete and submit as part of their assessment a project known as the Additional Assessment Component, the AAC. This will take 20 hours, be based on an element contained in the content of the course and involve 1- 2 hours of lab work.
Exam Structure
For students completing the course in 2025 and 2026 the examination has two sections, 3 questions on Practicals and 8 on theory. A candidate must answer 8 questions in all. 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.
For students commencing the course in 2025, 40% of the marks will go to the AAC. The remaining 60% will be earned from the terminal written exam
Career Possibilities
Chemistry leads to careers in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical manufacturing, Agricultural Science, Forensic Science, Medicine, Engineering, General Science and Biotechnology.