Chemistry Syllabus

CSEC Forms 4 & 5

Chemistry syllabus

Every section of the syllabus, laid out term by term across Form 4 and Form 5, ending with the May–June exams.

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Form 4, Term 1

Sept to Dec, 13 weeks

Form 4 is here now

  1. Weeks 1–2

    States of matter

    • Particle theory
    • Diffusion and osmosis
    • Changes of state

  2. Weeks 3–5

    Mixtures and separations

    • Elements, compounds and mixtures
    • Solutions, suspensions and colloids
    • Separation techniques

  3. Weeks 6–8

    Atomic structure

    • Protons, neutrons and electrons
    • Electron configuration
    • Isotopes and radioactivity

  4. Weeks 9–10

    Periodic table

    Periodic Table and Periodicity

    • Groups and periods
    • Trends across and down the table

  5. Weeks 11–13

    Structure and bonding

    • Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
    • Writing formulae and equations
    • Properties linked to structure

Form 4, Term 2

Jan to Mar, 11 weeks

  1. Weeks 1–4

    The mole concept

    Mole Concept

    • Moles, mass and molar volume
    • Calculations from equations
    • Concentration of solutions

  2. Weeks 5–8

    Acids, bases and salts

    • pH and indicators
    • Reactions of acids
    • Preparing salts; titration

  3. Weeks 9–11

    Redox reactions

    Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

    • Oxidation states
    • Oxidising and reducing agents
    • Redox tests

Form 4, Term 3

Apr to Jul, 10 weeks

  1. Weeks 1–4

    Electrochemistry

    • Electrochemical series
    • Electrolysis
    • Industrial uses of electrolysis

  2. Weeks 5–7

    Rates of reaction

    • Measuring rates
    • Factors that affect rate

  3. Weeks 8–10

    Energetics

    • Exothermic and endothermic reactions
    • Energy profile diagrams
    • Heat of reaction calculations

Form 5, Term 1

Sept to Dec, 13 weeks

Form 5 is here now

  1. Weeks 1–2

    Sources of hydrocarbons

    Sources of Hydrocarbon Compounds

    • Natural gas and petroleum
    • Fractional distillation and cracking

  2. Weeks 3–5

    Introduction to organic chemistry

    Organic Chemistry: An Introduction

    • Homologous series
    • Naming and isomers

  3. Weeks 6–8

    Reactions of carbon compounds

    • Alkanes and alkenes
    • Alcohols, acids and esters

  4. Weeks 9–10

    Polymers

    • Addition and condensation polymers
    • Uses and impact

  5. Weeks 11–13

    Metals: properties and extraction

    Reactivity and Extraction of Metals

    • Characteristics of metals
    • The reactivity series
    • Extracting aluminium and iron

Form 5, Term 2

Jan to Apr, 10 weeks

  1. Weeks 1–2

    Uses and impact of metals

    Impact of Metals on Living Systems and the Environment

    • Alloys and uses
    • Corrosion
    • Metals in living systems and pollution

  2. Weeks 3–4

    Non-metals

    • Preparing and testing gases
    • Uses and environmental effects

  3. Weeks 5–6

    Qualitative analysis

    • Tests for cations
    • Tests for anions and gases

  4. Weeks 7–10

    Revision and past papers

    • Timed papers
    • Calculation drills
    • Finish SBA records

CSEC exams

May to Jun

  • Section A: Principles of Chemistry. Section B: Organic Chemistry. Section C: Inorganic Chemistry.
  • SBA: practicals across both years, assessed for skills, plus an investigative project in Form 5. Keep your practical workbook up to date.

This is a suggested pace. Your teacher may teach sections in a different order. For full objectives, see the official syllabus. CSEC syllabuses