Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation — full strand and expectations reference
SCH4U enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction, equilibrium in chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students further develop problem-solving and investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes, and refine their ability to communicate scientific information.
Prerequisite: SCH3U — Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation.
Total hours: 110 | Credit value: 1.0
A1 Investigation Skills: Initiating and planning; performing and recording; analysing and interpreting; communicating findings.
A2 Career Exploration: Identify and describe a variety of careers related to chemistry (e.g., pharmacist, materials engineer, environmental chemist, chemical technician), and the educational pathways to those careers.
B1 STSE: Assess social and environmental impacts of organic compounds (plastics, pharmaceuticals, fossil fuels).
B2 Skills: Investigate the synthesis and properties of various organic compounds.
B3 Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of structure, properties, and reactions of hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics), alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides; IUPAC nomenclature; isomerism; addition and condensation polymerization.
C1 STSE: Analyse implications of advances in atomic and molecular models on technology, industry, and the environment.
C2 Skills: Investigate molecular shapes and physical properties of substances using models and experimental data.
C3 Knowledge: Quantum mechanical model; electron configuration (s, p, d, f); periodic trends; Lewis structures; VSEPR theory and molecular geometry; bond polarity; hybridization (sp, sp², sp³); intermolecular forces; properties of solids.
D1 STSE: Analyse technologies and processes that involve energy changes (combustion, nuclear, batteries) and their environmental impacts.
D2 Skills: Investigate energy changes (calorimetry) and factors affecting reaction rates.
D3 Knowledge: Enthalpy (ΔH); calorimetry (q = mcΔT); Hess's law; standard enthalpies of formation; bond energies; collision theory; activation energy; rate law; reaction mechanisms; catalysis; entropy and Gibbs free energy (ΔG = ΔH − TΔS).
E1 STSE: Analyse chemical equilibrium processes in biological and industrial systems (Haber process, blood pH, ocean acidification).
E2 Skills: Investigate qualitatively and quantitatively the conditions that lead to equilibrium and the effects of disturbing equilibrium.
E3 Knowledge: Dynamic equilibrium; Le Chatelier's principle; equilibrium constants Kc, Kp, Ksp; ICE tables; acid-base theories (Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry); pH, pOH, Ka, Kb; salt hydrolysis; titration curves and buffers.
F1 STSE: Analyse technologies based on electrochemistry (batteries, fuel cells, electroplating, corrosion prevention) and their environmental impacts.
F2 Skills: Investigate redox reactions and galvanic / electrolytic cells experimentally.
F3 Knowledge: Oxidation numbers; balancing redox half-reactions (acidic/basic); galvanic cells; standard reduction potentials (E°); E°cell calculation; cell notation; electrolysis; Faraday's laws (Q = It, n = Q/(zF)); corrosion and cathodic protection.
| Strand | Unit | Approx. Hours | Major Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Embedded | (integrated) | Investigation skills, lab safety, careers |
| B | Unit 1: Organic Chemistry | ~24 | Hydrocarbons, functional groups, polymers |
| C | Unit 2: Structure & Properties | ~22 | Quantum model, bonding, VSEPR, IMFs |
| D | Unit 3: Energy & Rates | ~22 | Thermochemistry, kinetics |
| E | Unit 4: Chemical Equilibrium | ~22 | Keq, Ksp, acids/bases, titration |
| F | Unit 5: Electrochemistry | ~20 | Redox, galvanic/electrolytic cells, Faraday |
| Category | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge & Understanding | 25% | Recall facts, terminology, concepts; comprehension of relationships |
| Thinking & Investigation | 25% | Planning, processing, problem-solving, critical/creative thinking |
| Communication | 25% | Expression and organization of ideas; use of conventions, vocabulary, terminology; communication for different audiences |
| Application | 25% | Application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts; transfer to new contexts; making connections (STSE) |
The final mark consists of two components: 70% term mark (based on assessment OF learning throughout the course, with emphasis on the most consistent or most recent evidence) and 30% summative (a final examination, performance task, or combination thereof administered near the end of the course). Both components reflect all four achievement-chart categories with equal weighting (K/U 25%, T 25%, C 25%, A 25%).