Leaving Certificate Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter, what matter is made of, its properties and how it interacts with the world. Chemistry is often called the ‘Central Science’ and can be seen as complementary to all other science subjects. There is a heavy emphasis on practical work in chemistry, with over thirty mandatory experiments to be completed by students over the two-year course. Below is a list of the main topics in the subject.
- History of chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Electron arrangement
- The periodic table
- Chemical bonding
- Chemical formulas & equations
- Trends in the periodic table
- Radioactivity
- The mole
- Properties of gases
- Stoichiometry
- Acids and bases
- Volumetric analysis
- Oxidation & reduction
- Rates of reaction
- Chemical equilibrium
- pH & indicators
- Environmental chemistry – water
- Fuels & heats of reaction
- Organic chemistry
- Option A: Industrial & atmospheric chemistry
- Option B: Materials & electrochemistry
Assessment
Leaving Certificate Chemistry is assessed through a three-hour exam at the end of Sixth Year. The exam is broken into two sections:
Section A 3 experiment questions
Section B 7 theory questions
Answer any eight questions.
All the questions carry equal marks. The number of marks for each question is stated at the top of the question.
You should spend about 20 minutes on each question.
An example of a Leaving Certificate chemistry exam can be found here. You can also find all past exam papers as well as additional sample papers here.
Careers
Science subjects are very useful for career prospects as students who take these subject develop key skills that can be applied to any job, such as critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.
Many careers directly involve a knowledge of science – for example Biotechnology, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Food Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Agricultural Science, Pharmacy, and Medicinal Chemistry. Many third level courses require science subjects to be taken for Leaving Certificate.
LC Chemistry Syllabus: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/7bdd3def-f492-432f-886f-35fc56bd3544/SCSEC09_Chemistry_syllabus_Eng.pdf
Leaving Cert Chemistry Experiments (PDST): www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIMUgukfSJoke--asiI9Oy9Hd-OSw12Rm