Overview of the Chemistry Course
The new Leaving Certificate Chemistry specification, starting in September 2025, presents a modern, practical and skills-focused approach to learning chemistry. It places a strong emphasis on understanding chemical concepts, scientific investigation, problem-solving and applying chemistry to the world around us.
🔎 Structure of the Course
The course is divided into five interrelated strands: one unifying strand and four contextual strands. (Curriculum Online)
1. Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science
Develops scientific literacy, inquiry and problem-solving skills
Focuses on understanding about chemistry, investigating in chemistry and chemistry in society
Develops skills in experimental design, research, data analysis, evaluation and scientific communication
Underpins and connects learning across all four contextual strands
2. Strand 1: Nature of Matter
Explores the fundamental nature and structure of matter, including:
Atomic structure
Electronic configuration
The periodic table
Chemical bonding
Intermolecular forces
The mole and stoichiometry
3. Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter
Examines how matter behaves and why chemical substances have particular properties, including:
Kinetic theory of matter
Solutions and solubility
Energy changes
Rates of reaction
Chemical equilibrium
4. Strand 3: Interactions of Matter
Focuses on how substances interact and undergo chemical change, including:
Acids and bases
Oxidation and reduction
Electrochemistry
Organic chemistry
Chemical reactions and their applications
5. Strand 4: Matter in Our World
Applies chemistry to important real-world contexts, including:
Quantitative analysis
Organic analysis
Greenhouse effects
Water quality and treatment
Modern materials
Lithium-ion cells
Carbon allotropes
Chemistry in society
The strands are not intended to be studied in isolation. Knowledge, practical skills and scientific investigation are integrated throughout the course
🌍 Cross-Cutting Themes
Three themes appear across all strands:
Health
Sustainability
Technology
These themes act as lenses through which students explore the applications and implications of chemistry.
Students apply chemistry to real-world challenges such as climate change, energy demands, clean water, food production, disease control, modern materials and technological developments.
🧪 Additional Assessment Component (AAC)
The Chemistry in Practice Investigation forms 40% of the final Leaving Certificate Chemistry grade.
It is envisaged to take up to 20 hours to complete.
A common Investigation Brief is published by the SEC in Term 2 of 5th Year.
Students carry out both scientific research and experimental work related to the brief.
Students develop a hypothesis, plan and design an experiment, collect primary data, analyse their results and form conclusions.
Students also gather, process and evaluate information from secondary sources.
The final investigation report is submitted for SEC assessment in 6th Year.
📊 Assessment
Written Examination – 60%
Assessed at Higher and Ordinary Level.
The written examination will include a range of question types assessing:
Knowledge and understanding of chemistry
Application of chemical concepts
Problem-solving
Interpretation and analysis of data
Learning from the Unifying Strand
Applications of chemistry through Health, Sustainability and Technology
Chemistry in Practice Investigation - 40%
Students demonstrate their ability to:
Reason about chemical phenomena
Research a chemical issue
Design and conduct an investigation
Collect and analyse primary data
Draw evidence-based conclusions
Evaluate their investigation and its limitations
Relate their findings to wider scientific and societal issues
🎯 Key Skills Focus
Scientific investigation & experimental design
Safe and accurate laboratory practice
Chemical calculations & problem-solving
Use of chemical models, equations, diagrams and graphs
Collection and analysis of primary data
Research and evaluation of secondary data
Critical thinking and evaluation
Development of evidence-based arguments
Scientific communication
Application of chemistry to health, sustainability and technology
Understanding the ethical, social and environmental implications of chemistry