Course Description

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a challenging, fast-paced course that will cover the topics of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, descriptive chemistry, kinetics, equilibria, and thermodynamics. An emphasis on laboratory work and analysis is required to prepare for the AP test. College credit depends upon the AP test score and the college of choice. Students may need an additional four to six hours a week outside of class time to prepare for the test. An AP Chemistry academic lab is required in conjunction with this class. It will provide additional lab finishing and time to ask or go over text problems

Rationale

This course is an advanced placement laboratory class intended to follow the national AP curriculum and culminate in students taking the AP test. Students should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and completence in solving chemical problems. This class differs from Chemistry II in two ways. First, an Advanced Placement course follows a national curriculum. Many similar topics to Chemistry II will be covered. In addition, covalent bonding, equilibria, coordination compounds, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry are covered. Labs will require a greater depth of processing both on the qualitative and quantitative leve. Mathematical problem solving and appications are emphasized throughout the course. A second difference between Chemistry II and AP Chemistry is the final outcome.

Course Goals

• To acquire an overview of the principle concepts of chemistry
• To develop thinking, problem solving and analytical skills required of scientists
• To further improve laboratory skills
• To prepare to take the AP exam