H3 Chemistry

H3 Chemistry is an advanced level subject offered in Junior College (JC) in Singapore, designed for students with a strong aptitude and interest in chemistry. It builds upon the H2 Chemistry syllabus, providing greater depth and rigor for students intending to pursue further studies in chemistry-related fields. It is essential for students to concurrently take H2 Chemistry, as H3 Chemistry assumes a solid foundation in H2 level concepts.

Aims

The H3 Chemistry course aims to:

1. Deepen students' knowledge and skills in chemistry, cultivating the necessary attitudes for further studies in related fields. 2. Develop students' appreciation for the practice, value, and rigor of chemistry as a scientific discipline. 3. Enhance students' ability to analyze chemical issues and apply relevant concepts and techniques to solve complex problems.

Curriculum Framework

The H3 Chemistry curriculum framework expands upon the H2 Chemistry framework, incorporating:

• Core Ideas and Extension Topics from H2 Chemistry: These topics are detailed in the H2 Chemistry syllabus.
• Additional Content in H3 Chemistry: Two key areas are introduced:
• Spectroscopic Techniques: This includes molecular orbital theory, the electromagnetic spectrum, quantization of energy, and energy level transitions, along with specific spectroscopic methods like UV/Visible, IR, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry.
• Further Organic Mechanisms: This covers molecular stereochemistry, basic physical organic chemistry, nucleophilic substitution, and elimination reactions.

Assessment

The H3 Chemistry assessment consists of a single 2.5-hour paper worth 100 marks. The paper is divided into two sections:

• Section A (60 marks): Compulsory free-response questions, including 1-2 stimulus-based questions.
• Section B (40 marks): Students choose two out of three free-response questions.

The assessment objectives emphasize both knowledge and understanding (25%) and the ability to handle, apply, and evaluate information (75%).

A Data Booklet is provided for use during the theory paper.