International GCSE Chemistry

This course helps students understand the technological world they live in and to take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on practical skills.

Students also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential to progress to Cambridge International AS and A Levels, further education, or a career related to science.

This chemistry course covers the following topics:

• Natural cycles and resources
• The atmosphere
• Seas and rivers
• The earth’s crust
• The states of matter
• Heating and cooling curves
• Separating substances
• Atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds
• The kinetic model of matter
• Atomic structure
• Isotopes
• Electron arrangements in atoms
• The periodic table
• Trends in groups
• Trends across a period
• Chemical bonds in elements and compounds
• Physical properties of ionic and covalent compounds
• Chemical formulae of elements and compounds
• Metal crystals and alloys
• Ionic and giant molecular crystals
• Chemical reactions
• Acids, bases, and salts
• Quantitative chemistry
• Endothermic and exothermic reactions
• Heat of reactions and activation energy
• Rates of reaction
• Catalysts
• Photochemical reactions
• Chemical equilibrium
• Le Chatterley’s principle and changing conditions
• The Harber process for making ammonia
• Patterns and properties of metals
• Industrial inorganic chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Petrochemicals and polymers
• Chemical analysis and investigation
• Past exam papers and revision