Why Choose This Course?
What fuels the future, keeps our medicine precise, and powers modern innovation? Chemistry ATAR Year 12 is where the microscopic world meets real-world impact. This course dives into the principles that govern matter, energy and change — unlocking tools that chemists use to solve big global problems.
Explore chemical equilibrium and how it helps industries maximise product yield. Investigate acids and bases, pH changes, and buffer systems, all crucial to food, blood chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. Learn how redox reactions power batteries and enable water purification and industrial processes.
Step into the world of carbon-based compounds that fuel life and industry. Study the structure and reactions of hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters. Investigate reaction pathways and synthesis techniques that create plastics, pharmaceuticals, fuels and more. Apply spectroscopic analysis to identify unknown compounds and refine chemical production.
Skills Developed
Plan and conduct chemical investigations, predict reaction outcomes, analyse spectroscopic data, apply chemistry to medicine, energy and environmental problems, and communicate scientific ideas with precision.
Potential Careers
Chemical Engineer, Pharmacist, Environmental Scientist, Forensic Chemist, Biotechnologist, Toxicologist.
Study Options
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, Medicine.
Pre-requisites
Year 11 Chemistry ATAR strongly recommended
Why Choose This Course?
What’s in your fuel tank, your shampoo, and your energy drink? Chemistry General dives into the science behind the stuff we use every day — from plastics and biofuels to metals, muscles and metabolism. If you’re into tech, health, sustainability or hands-on experiments, this course will keep you curious.
Explore how crude oil is turned into fuels, plastics, and even ingredients in cosmetics. Investigate how everyday substances are made and recycled, and how chemists are creating greener alternatives to protect the planet.
Students can choose to explore the world of metals — their uses, alloys, and how to stop them rusting — OR go down the biochemistry path, where they will look at proteins, carbs, enzymes and how your body uses food and energy during exercise.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
Carry out real-world experiments, test materials and biofuels, analyse data, explore health and environmental challenges, and communicate findings like a pro.
Potential Careers
Lab Assistant, Water Quality Officer, Mining Support Tech, Fitness or Nutrition Advisor, Apprentice in Plumbing, Electrical or Engineering trades.
Post-School Study Options
TAFE in Applied Science or Health, Environmental or Mining Diplomas, Chemical Operations Certificates, trade apprenticeships.
Ms Kerry-Anne Randall
Head of Science
Kerry.Randall@cewa.edu.au