SSS3 Chemistry

Course Summary

This course is organized into two focused terms, each covering distinct advanced topics.

First Term: Organic Chemistry and Metals
This term focuses on carbon-based molecules and the properties of metals and their compounds.

• Lessons 1-6: Advanced Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry:
  • Lesson 1: Alkanoic Acids (Carboxylic Acids): Nomenclature, properties, and reactions of organic acids.
  • Lesson 2: Alkanoates (Esters): Formation, nomenclature, and uses of esters.
  • Lesson 3: Fats and Oils: The chemical structure of lipids, saponification (soap making), and hydrogenation.
  • Lesson 4: Amino Acids: Structure, properties, and the formation of proteins through peptide bonding.
  • Lesson 5: Polymers: Distinguishing between giant molecules (e.g., diamond, graphite) and macromolecules (e.g., synthetic polymers, biopolymers).
  • Lesson 6: Carbohydrates: The chemistry of sugars and starches; structure and classification.
• Lessons 7-10: Inorganic and Materials Chemistry:
  • Lesson 7: Metals and Their Compounds: General properties, reactivity, and common compounds.
  • Lesson 8: Alkaline Earth Metals: Properties, trends, and applications of Group 2 elements.
  • Lesson 9: Transition Metals: Characteristic properties (variable oxidation states, colored compounds, catalysis).
  • Lesson 10: Alloys: The purpose, composition, and properties of important metallic mixtures.

Second Term: Applied and Theoretical Chemistry
This term covers cross-cutting topics that apply principles from both physical and inorganic chemistry.

• Lesson 11: Nuclear Chemistry: Radioactivity, types of decay, half-life, and nuclear reactions (fission/fusion).
• Lesson 12: Shapes of Molecules: Applying Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict molecular geometry.
• Lesson 13: Crude Oil: The composition of petroleum, fractional distillation, and cracking processes.
• Lesson 14: Qualitative Analysis: Laboratory techniques for identifying ions (cations and anions) in unknown substances.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Describe the structure, nomenclature, and chemical reactions of key organic functional groups (acids, esters, amides).
• Explain the chemical nature of biomolecules such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
• Compare and contrast the properties of different groups of metals and their applications.
• Understand the principles of radioactivity and its applications.
• Predict the three-dimensional shape of simple molecules using VSEPR theory.
• Outline the process of fractional distillation and the importance of cracking crude oil.
• Perform and interpret basic qualitative analysis tests to identify common ions.