Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
6th Year Advanced Chemical Principles and Molecular Dynamics
A comprehensive exploration of the microscopic world designed for Year 6 students preparing for higher level chemistry. This course bridges the gap between conceptual understanding and mathematical application across atomic theory, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics.

Atomic Architecture and the Periodic Table
Investigating the evolution of atomic models and the quantum mechanical basis for the arrangement of elements.
Exploring the distribution of mass and charge within the atom and the significance of isotopic abundance.
Mapping the probability zones of electrons and understanding the Aufbau principle and Hund's rule.
Analyzing recurring patterns in atomic radii, ionization energy, and electronegativity across periods and groups.

Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
Examining the forces that hold matter together and how three dimensional shapes dictate biological and chemical function.
Distinguishing between electron transfer and sharing through the lens of electronegativity.
Predicting the spatial arrangement of atoms based on electron pair repulsion.
Analyzing London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding.

Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept
Quantifying chemical change through the application of the mole concept and balanced equations.
Bridging the gap between the microscopic atom and macroscopic laboratory measurements.
Determining the simplest and actual ratios of atoms in a compound using percent composition.
Calculating theoretical yields and identifying the reagents that restrict chemical production.

Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry
Exploring energy transfers, enthalpy changes, and the laws governing heat in chemical systems.
Measuring heat flow in chemical reactions using experimental and theoretical methods.
Using the principle of conservation of energy to calculate enthalpy changes indirectly.
Investigating the roles of disorder and energy in determining reaction spontaneity.

Kinetics and Chemical Equilibrium
Analyzing the speed of reactions and the dynamic state where forward and reverse rates are equal.
Examining the factors that influence the frequency and energy of molecular collisions.
Predicting how systems at equilibrium respond to changes in concentration, pressure, and temperature.
Quantifying the position of equilibrium using the law of mass action.

Solutions and Acid-Base Chemistry
Investigating the properties of aqueous systems and the behavior of protons in chemical transfers.
Mastering the mathematics of dissolved substances and dilution procedures.
Defining acids and bases as proton donors and acceptors and identifying conjugate pairs.
Using logarithmic scales to measure acidity and employing neutralization reactions for analysis.