NCEA Level 2 Chemistry

What is Chemistry?

People have always been fascinated by the world around them and chemistry is the study of the substances that make up the universe. From the time people worked out how to create fire, chemistry has been at the forefront of exciting discoveries such as the structure of DNA and the use of semiconductors in electronics. 

Chemistry looks at the behaviour of substances, the changes they undergo to create new ones and the reactions between them. Yet it is more than what happens at a micro level, it is about what it is that makes us, our materials and everything around us. Students learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to analyse scientific information, conduct experiments and research. 

Chemistry is essential for careers in a wide range of areas including medicine, pharmacy, engineering, environmental science, winemaking and food technology.

Through a range of practical chemistry investigations, students will develop their self-management and ability to communicate with others. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they link observations to theory. Students will explore the use of a range of scientific symbols and vocabulary.

Students will gain an understanding of fundamental material world concepts to prepare them for further science study. Students will carry out quantitative analysis and solve quantitative problems. They will gain an understanding of oxidation-reduction reactions, explain different types of bonding and structure in solids, study the functional group of organic chemistry and analyse chemical reactivity. They will learn the application of the above in the real world by having hands-on activities such as practicals, experiments and demonstrations.  

Topics covered include: 

• Atomic Structure and Bonding
• Oxidation and Reduction
• Acids and Bases
• Organic Chemistry
• Equilibrium and Reaction rates
• Quantitative and Qualitative Chemistry

Students who wish to take Level 3 Chemistry, need to take this course.