Nah, but what even is Chemistry?
Chemistry, at its core, is about understanding how the things around us are made. It involves investigating the properties of various substances whether it be through explosive reactions or the occasional bubbling concoction that might just make you question your life choices!
Is VCE Chemistry for me?
You will particularly enjoy this subject if you are a naturally curious person who just wants to find out more about how things work and how we can optimise the ways in which our society creates and uses resources. If you have a knack for environmental sciences and a special affinity for the natural world, this could be a great choice for you too!
What will I be learning?
The entire study is made up of four units.
Year 11:
Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?
- Area of Study 1 - “How do the chemical structures of materials explain their properties and reactions?” focuses on elements of the periodic table and the different types of bonding (covalent, metallic and ionic)
- Area of Study 2 - “How are materials quantified and classified?” focuses on the measurement of quantities and organic compounds
- In Area of Study 3 - “How can chemical principles be applied to create a more sustainable future?” students undertake an investigation considering sustainable development and the transition towards a circular economy
Unit 2: How do chemical reactions shape the natural world?
- Area of Study 1 - “How do chemicals interact with water?” is all about the properties of water and investigating acid-base and redox reactions
- Area of Study 2 - “How are chemicals measured and analysed?” involves chemical reactions involving acids, bases, salts and gases
- In Area of Study 3 - “How do quantitative scientific investigations develop our understanding of chemical reactions?” students conduct a scientific investigation
Year 12:
Unit 3: How can design and innovation help to optimise chemical processes?
- Area of Study 1 - “What are the current and future options for supplying energy?” compares fossil fuels and biofuels as energy sources for society and how the negative impacts on the environment can be minimised
- Area of Study 2 - “How can the rate and yield of chemical reactions be optimised?” explores the factors that affect the rate and yield of equilibrium and how electrolytic reactions can produce important materials for society
Unit 4: How are carbon-based compounds designed for purpose?
- Area of Study 1 - “How are organic compounds categorised and synthesised?” mainly focuses on the structure, naming, properties and reactions of organic compounds
- Area of Study 2 - “How are organic compounds analysed and used?” includes laboratory and instrumental analysis of organic compounds and medicinal chemistry of these compounds
A breakdown of the assessment structure and the final exam
Unit 1 and 2: The types of assessments you will be facing are a matter of school decision. The main reason for this is that the assessments for these units will NOT be reported to VCAA.
Unit 3 and 4: Here is where VCAA steps in. Designated assessment tasks are provided by VCAA and your level of achievement is determined by School-assessed Coursework (SAC).
At the end of the year, you receive a study score reported on a scale of 0-50. It measures your performance in relation to all others who took Chemistry.
Here’s how the study score is calculated:
- Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 20 percent
- Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework: 30 percent
- End-of-year examination: 50 percent
The exam is worth 50 percent of your study score. 50 percent. That’s significant.
Hence, exam revision must start early.
First, let’s understand what the exam looks like.
You have a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes in which you will have 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours and 30 minutes of writing time.
There are two sections:
- Section A: 30 multiple choice questions, each worth 1 mark.
- May seem easy but can sometimes be more challenging than the short-answer questions themselves
- Some options are clearly illogical and can be eliminated right away - often, you'll be left with two very similar options so it's crucial to read the question carefully to determine the correct answer
- Section B: Short answer questions and extended response questions worth a total of 90 marks
- Can range from calculations to explain-type questions
- You will need to show your working out for each question as many are worth more than 1 mark
Special attention must be given to experimental questions in Section B that are bound to confuse you and have continued to baffle students for many years. You will get an experimental report (including aim, materials, and method) along with a series of questions that ask you to analyse the results of the experiment or to discuss the findings.
Be sure to research a bit more into the types of exam questions in the VCE Chemistry exam to help you prepare more effectively.
Tips and tricks on how to excel
- Lots and lots of exam questions!
Sorry to break it to you but the true key to success isn’t in simply reading the textbook or passively making notes. Knowing your content is just the first half of achieving a 40+.
Applying that content through questions will take you from zero to being a hero! And not just textbook questions…
Remember how the exam was worth 50 percent? It’s only logical to start doing EXAM questions as early as you can (ideally from the start of the year).
- Read and annotate the study design!
The VCE chemistry study design is one of the most underrated yet valuable resources you'll ever find. You must read and annotate it fully as you progress through the year. By the end of the year, you’ll have your own version of the study design that breaks down content into digestible chunks that make sense.
So, drop the pretty note-making and use the study design not only as a note-taking tool but also as a checklist to help you track what needs to be done.
- Make an error bank!
Do you know the one thing all high achievers in VCE Chemistry have in common?
They all have an error bank.
An error bank is essentially a reflection tool that helps you keep track of the mistakes you made while answering exam questions and how to avoid those mistakes in the future.
The idea is that by the time you do your next exam, you’ll have a better understanding of how to answer the questions and what to watch out for. It can be as simple as a Google Doc with one section for the name of the exam you completed and another detailing all your errors and how to fix them.
Want more tips? 5 tips for surviving and thriving in VCE Chemistry
VCE Chemistry 3/4 High Performance Program. A step-by-step guide on how to ace VCE Chemistry 3/4.
FAQs
Is there a trick to answering the questions?
Yes and no.
Yes, because VCAA has a glossary of command terms used in its questions. Understanding these terms will make the questions feel much easier.
No, because no matter how intimidating a question may seem, it is actually quite straightforward. You just need to focus on answering what the question is asking and nothing more.
Do I need to remember formulas if I’m giving the data booklet anyway?
Yes. Not all formulas are given in the data booklet and VCAA expects you to just know them. Doing practice questions will help you commit these formulas to memory.
Even if the formula is given in the data booklet, it’s best to memorise it so you don’t waste time flipping through the pages in a SAC or the final exam.
What if I can’t keep up with the content? What should I do?
Reach out for help. You can’t navigate chemistry all on your own. Ask your teacher lots of questions, study with friends and utilise available resources. However, the best way to get back on track is to find the perfect tutor who fits your needs. With personalised feedback and targeted learning, you’ll be well-prepared for the final exam and ready to excel in your SACs as well.
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for VCE Chemistry, Amna Tahir. Amna is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at RMIT University and has guided countless students through this wild ride of VCE Chemistry. You can view Amna’s profile here and request her as a tutor.
