2025 SYLLABUS
ATAR 99+
STUDY GUIDE
QCE CHEMISTRY Y11/12
DESIGNED BY
ATAR 99+
GRADUATE
Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals
Unit 2: Molecular Interactions and Reactions
Unit 3: Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, & Redox
Reactions
Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis, and Design
+ Internal Assessment (IA) Preparation
+ External Assessment Preparation
+ Study Strategies and Tips
© PEAK Academics 2025
, TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1. Welcome & How to Use This Guide & About the Author
2. Understanding the 2025 QCE Chemistry Syllabus
Overview of Units 1–4
3. Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals
Properties and Structure of Atoms
Properties and Structure of Materials
Chemical Reactions — Reactants, Products, and Energy
Change
Key Equations and Definitions
4. Unit 2: Molecular Interactions and Reactions
Intermolecular Forces and Gases
Aqueous Solutions and Acidity
Rates of Chemical Reactions
Key Equations and Definitions
5. Unit 3: Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Redox Reactions
Chemical Equilibrium Systems
Oxidation and Reduction
Key Equations and Definitions
6. Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis, and Design
Properties and Structure of Organic Materials
Chemical Synthesis and Design
Key Equations and Definitions
7. Internal Assessment Preparation
IA1: Data Test
IA2: Student Experiment
IA3: Research Investigation
8. External Assessment (EA) Preparation
Tips for Success in External Assessment
9. Final Tips & Encouragement & More Resources
© PEAK Academics 2025
, WELCOME
WELCOME & HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Welcome to my QCE Chemistry Study Guide! This resource is
designed to help you master the key concepts and succeed in your
assessments. Whether you're aiming for top marks or simply want to
gain a better understanding of chemistry, this guide will provide you
with the essential study strategies and content summaries to make
your learning process more efficient and enjoyable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi, I’m Mao! I’m the author and producer of Peak Academics, a guide
designed to help students achieve their best results. I graduated in
2023 with an ATAR of 99.25, and I created this guide using the exact
study strategies that helped me reach that score. During Year 12, I
studied Chemistry alongside Specialist Mathematics and Physics, and
I believe in studying smart, not hard. In this guide, I’ll share everything
that worked for me to help you succeed.
© PEAK Academics 2025
, UNDERSTANDING THE 2025
QCE CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS
Overview of Units 1–4
The course is structured into four units, each focusing on different
areas of chemistry, which build on each other as you progress through
the two-year course.
Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals
Unit 1 is all about laying the foundation of chemistry. You’ll start by
exploring the structure of atoms, understanding their components and
how they form different substances. Chemical reactions and their
energy changes will also be introduced.
Key Topics:
Structure of Atoms: Understand the atomic number, mass
number, protons, neutrons, and electrons. Learn about isotopes
and their significance.
States of Matter: Learn the properties of solids, liquids, and gases
and how they transition between states.
Chemical Reactions:
Types of reactions (e.g., synthesis, decomposition,
combustion).
Energy changes in reactions (exothermic vs. endothermic).
Conservation of mass.
Energy in Chemical Reactions: Focus on the role of energy in
breaking and forming bonds, and how reactions either release or
absorb energy.
© PEAK Academics 2025
ATAR 99+
STUDY GUIDE
QCE CHEMISTRY Y11/12
DESIGNED BY
ATAR 99+
GRADUATE
Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals
Unit 2: Molecular Interactions and Reactions
Unit 3: Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, & Redox
Reactions
Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis, and Design
+ Internal Assessment (IA) Preparation
+ External Assessment Preparation
+ Study Strategies and Tips
© PEAK Academics 2025
, TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1. Welcome & How to Use This Guide & About the Author
2. Understanding the 2025 QCE Chemistry Syllabus
Overview of Units 1–4
3. Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals
Properties and Structure of Atoms
Properties and Structure of Materials
Chemical Reactions — Reactants, Products, and Energy
Change
Key Equations and Definitions
4. Unit 2: Molecular Interactions and Reactions
Intermolecular Forces and Gases
Aqueous Solutions and Acidity
Rates of Chemical Reactions
Key Equations and Definitions
5. Unit 3: Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Redox Reactions
Chemical Equilibrium Systems
Oxidation and Reduction
Key Equations and Definitions
6. Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis, and Design
Properties and Structure of Organic Materials
Chemical Synthesis and Design
Key Equations and Definitions
7. Internal Assessment Preparation
IA1: Data Test
IA2: Student Experiment
IA3: Research Investigation
8. External Assessment (EA) Preparation
Tips for Success in External Assessment
9. Final Tips & Encouragement & More Resources
© PEAK Academics 2025
, WELCOME
WELCOME & HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Welcome to my QCE Chemistry Study Guide! This resource is
designed to help you master the key concepts and succeed in your
assessments. Whether you're aiming for top marks or simply want to
gain a better understanding of chemistry, this guide will provide you
with the essential study strategies and content summaries to make
your learning process more efficient and enjoyable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi, I’m Mao! I’m the author and producer of Peak Academics, a guide
designed to help students achieve their best results. I graduated in
2023 with an ATAR of 99.25, and I created this guide using the exact
study strategies that helped me reach that score. During Year 12, I
studied Chemistry alongside Specialist Mathematics and Physics, and
I believe in studying smart, not hard. In this guide, I’ll share everything
that worked for me to help you succeed.
© PEAK Academics 2025
, UNDERSTANDING THE 2025
QCE CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS
Overview of Units 1–4
The course is structured into four units, each focusing on different
areas of chemistry, which build on each other as you progress through
the two-year course.
Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals
Unit 1 is all about laying the foundation of chemistry. You’ll start by
exploring the structure of atoms, understanding their components and
how they form different substances. Chemical reactions and their
energy changes will also be introduced.
Key Topics:
Structure of Atoms: Understand the atomic number, mass
number, protons, neutrons, and electrons. Learn about isotopes
and their significance.
States of Matter: Learn the properties of solids, liquids, and gases
and how they transition between states.
Chemical Reactions:
Types of reactions (e.g., synthesis, decomposition,
combustion).
Energy changes in reactions (exothermic vs. endothermic).
Conservation of mass.
Energy in Chemical Reactions: Focus on the role of energy in
breaking and forming bonds, and how reactions either release or
absorb energy.
© PEAK Academics 2025
