No of Sets in 2023 / 2024: 2 No of Periods per Week: 5

Department Staff: Dr S Brusey 

Brief Summary of Course Content

Chemistry is a vibrant, practical and relevant subject to choose to study. From the moment we are born, we are surrounded by chemistry; from the air we breathe, to the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the technology that we find ourselves surrounded by.

Chemistry is the study of matter, what substances are made of, how they interact and the important roles they play in the lives of living things. Besides gaining a fundamental understanding of core chemistry concepts, the course offers hands-on experience in a wide range of practical techniques while placing an emphasis on the ability to problem solve, both skills which are transferable to other areas of study within the Leaving Certificate and further third level courses.

The following topics are covered in the leaving certificate course:

Atomic Structure

Volumetric Analysis

Environmental Chemistry

Periodic Table

Fuels

Atmospheric Chemistry

Bonding

Rates of Reaction

Industrial Chemistry

Stoichiometry (calculations)

Organic Chemistry

Equilibrium

Chemistry is essential for those intending to study medicine or indeed any science course at university. Mathematical ability is not essential but it is helpful in some sections of the course. Success depends on working from the start and not allowing oneself to become lost. We start from absolute scratch, so it is possible to start the subject if you have not studied it in form IV providing you are willing to work hard.

Comparison of Results with National Figures

Pupils generally sit the Leaving Certificate at Higher Level. The results have been consistently excellent, well above the national average. In 2023 the results were as follows (national figures shown in brackets:

● Higher Level H1 - 29% (19%)

● Higher Level H2 - 24% (15%)

Possible Career Areas for which this Subject is Useful/ Essential

Any science area, industry, pharmaceuticals, fire service, teaching, health and safety, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, nursing and medical – those who do chemistry have a good versatile brain which is adaptable to go into any work environment. Chemistry is essential for pupils who wish to study medicine in Ireland or the UK. (Pupils who do not study chemistry are required to complete an additional year for some medicine courses).