The Chemistry Syllabus
Where can Chemistry take you?
General introduction to the subject:
Chemistry involves a dynamic and engaging study of the material world. It is a field of human endeavour based on the broad understanding of physical concepts and models which are united by common procedural and intellectual processes. Chemistry and the work of chemists have a profound impact on the environment, quality of life and on social and cultural practices.
(2025 Chemistry SEC06 Syllabus, MATSEC, UM)
Topics studied:
• Materials from the Earth – The Atmosphere
• Materials from the Earth – Aquatic environments
• Materials from the Earth – The Land
• Making New Materials: How fast? How far? How much?
• Carbon compounds from the Earth – Meeting our energy needs.
Class activities involved:
• Theoretical lessons
• Laboratory practice
• Investigative laboratory practice
• Site visits
• Fieldwork
• Projects
• Research
• Presentations
Homework assigned:
• Variety of tasks intended to sustain class learning
• Routine laboratory reports
• Investigative laboratory reports
• Site visit reports
• Fieldwork reports
• Project reports
• Research-related tasks
• Preparation of presentations
Assessment given:
• Homework
• Classwork
• Laboratory reports
• Investigative laboratory reports
• Site visit reports
• Fieldwork reports
• Presentations
Skills acquired while studying the subject:
• Acquire a knowledge of basic chemical concepts and an understanding of chemical principles and patterns.
• Pursue my studies in chemistry or related subjects further.
• Appreciate that chemistry is a dynamic and evolving subject and that its principles and theories may change.
• Be aware of the importance of adopting the scientific method of investigation.
• Develop relevant practical skills whilst having due regard to correct and safe laboratory practice.
• Develop experimental and investigative competences.
• Develop abilities to form hypotheses and design experiments to test these hypotheses, organize, interpret and evaluate chemical information in order to draw conclusions, make decisions and/or solve problems; communicate chemical knowledge and findings in appropriate ways.
• Apply the chemical knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
• Develop an appreciation of the environmental and technological applications of chemistry and related
economic, ethical and social implications.
Skills required to study the subject:
• A good command of the English language
• Basic mathematics that includes the ability to perform simple arithmetical processes such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of quantities expressed in decimal form, as fractions, or in index notation; the ability to calculate volumes; simple percentage calculations; calculations involving ratios and proportion; the ability to use and interpret simple graphs, carry out extrapolations and interpolations and measure gradients.
This subject can lead you to the following Career Paths:
Research & Development
Quality Control
Manufacturing
Environment
Education
Regulatory (Law and Policy)
Medical Representative (Sales & Marketing)
Health/Medical