Biology

SUBJECT: Chemistry

What is this subject all about at Senior Cycle?

Chemistry at Leaving Certificate is a very interesting and diverse course. Science subjects, particularly Chemistry, demonstrate how to explore nature using carefully planned methods, and teach the basic methods and findings of scientific investigation. The Chemistry course touches on many topics not studied at Junior Cycle level. There are many experiments and a lot of course work to complete during the course. Over the two years students work in teams which helps to develop their confidence in their own ability and ownership of the subject. The major topics involved include Atomic Structure, Volumetric Analysis, Organic Chemistry, Water Chemistry and Reaction Mechanisms.

Will learning this subject at Senior Cycle be different to what I studied at Junior Cycle?

The subject requires a student to have a good knowledge of Junior Cycle Science and also a good aptitude for Maths. The course builds on the knowledge the students have gained at Junior Cycle level and gives them the vocabulary, knowledge of the periodic table and bonding required which will give them a new level of understanding. The student needs to be interested in this area and this interest will be developed through practical work and groupwork throughout the course.

This subject will be useful for a career in…

Any scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Studies, Medincine, Pharmacology, Material Science, Agricultural Science, Dairy Science, Para-Medical Sciences…etc.

Assessment?

Throughout Senior Cycle students are regularly assessed through class tests, end of Semester Exams, Quizzes and peer and self-assessment to name but a few. For their Leaving Certificate students can do either the Higher or Ordinary Level exam at the end of 6th Year.

I will enjoy this subject if…

» You are imaginative and interested in trying new things. » You have an investigative and questioning nature. » You are interested in how things work, how things are made and what is going on in the natural world around us. » You enjoy working in the laboratory and investigating experiments.

I will succeed at this subject if…

» You have an investigative nature and enjoy discussing topics as part of a group to come to a real understanding of the basic fundamental ideas in Chemistry. » You have a good knowledge of Maths and are good at problem solving. » You can think logically along with hard work and continuous study.