Chemistry provides an understanding of the materials around us, and why they behave as they do. Being central to understanding the phenomena of the reactions of matter in our material universe, it also bridges links with other branches of natural science.
Chemistry possesses a theoretical framework that allows new knowledge to be organised and related to other aspects of the discipline. The modern chemical approach seeks an understanding of natural phenomena in the test tube, in the crust of the earth or in living organisms and in terms of the events at the atomic and molecular level. The course should enable students to appreciate the power of this way of thinking and investigating. Chemistry remains a growing discipline, with exciting and unexpected developments on its frontiers. It is a discipline in which students may experience beauty and excitement at many levels, whether comprehending the ordered structure of matter or in what they see in their own experiments.
Knowledge of chemistry can assist students in understanding and interpreting many experiences in their everyday surroundings, thus enriching their daily lives. Chemistry is intimately involved in extractive, refining and manufacturing industries, which provide our food, clothing and many articles we use daily. These industries are important to our economy. Students should come to appreciate the impact of chemical knowledge and technology on their society.
The impact of human activities on our environment has not always been benign. Responsible decisions on possible future activities can be made, among other things, in light of the fullest understanding of the chemical consequences of those activities. Problems have sometimes arisen in the past because of the limitations of our chemical understanding. The solutions to these problems will usually require the application of chemical knowledge.
An understanding of chemistry will assist students to participate as informed and responsible citizens in making decisions in which economic benefit and the quality of the environment are considered. The senior subject Chemistry will provide a foundation for students who will proceed to tertiary level courses in science, the applied sciences, engineering or the health sciences.
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