NCEA Level 2 Chemistry

A chemist’s answer to the question “What is Chemistry?” could easily be, “What in the world isn’t Chemistry?” Chemistry involves a study of everything about us, from the air we breathe and the food we eat, to the chemistry of a comet, the planets, and beyond. Chemists study the structure and nature of substances, how they behave chemically and use their knowledge to synthesise new substances with useful properties.

During the year, an NCEA Level 2 Chemistry student will be involved in experimental work and this is an integral part of the course.The content of the course at Year 12 is based on the achievement standards developed from level 7 of the Chemistry in the New Zealand Curriculum document. Topics studied include atomic structure, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, energy and speed of reactions and the many different types of chemical reactions.

Knowledge of Chemistry is an essential prerequisite for many science-based careers, e.g. engineering, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry, consumer science and other scientific university courses.  It may also be useful for some polytechnic courses. 

Chemistry is a subject that helps students to develop their own powers of scientific reasoning and understanding, whatever career they decide upon.