Chemistry Intermediate level

The study area IM (Intermediate) Chemistry is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

The syllabus assumes candidates have already followed an introductory course in chemistry and it presents an overview of important concepts in the subject. Most of the concepts studied at intermediate level will not be developed to the same depth as at the Advanced Matriculation level but the syllabus is intended to cover key ideas that allow the student to understand better the nature of chemicals and the forces that drive chemical change. 

The influence of chemicals and chemical industry on the quality of life and on the environment should be discussed throughout the course. Examples of everyday applications of chemistry and its products are numerous and they should be invoked by tutors as frequently as possible. Chemistry is an experimental science and it is recommended that students carry out practical work. It may not be possible for students following this course to participate actively in laboratory work: to make up for this, tutors should be very generous with experimental demonstrations.

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• explain the structure of an atom and investigate differences between different atoms
• apply the mole concept in calculations.  
• explain the kinetic theory of gases and solve problems using the ideal gas equation
• explain different types of bonding, why they exist and how to investigate them
• define enthalpy changes and calculate enthalpy changes using Hess’s law
• describe and explain the effect of different factors on the rate of a chemical reaction
• understand the concept of chemical equilibria, predict changes in the position of the equilibrium with a change in conditions and carry out the necessary calculations involving chemical equilibria
• understand the concepts of oxidation and reduction, and together with the reactivity series 
• predict the outcome of certain chemical reactions
• explain the concept of ionic equilibria and use this concept to calculate a number of quantities associated with these types of equilibria
• describe periodic relationships among elements in the Periodic Table
• describe the main characteristics of transition metals
• describe some of the physical properties, chemical properties and uses of chlorine, bromine and iodine and some of their compounds
• identify, name, represent and deduce the structure and properties of different organic molecules
• distinguish between pure substances and mixtures as well as choose the correct technique to separate a mixture of substances
• show an understanding of qualitative and quantitative exercises