Junior Colleges are pre-university institutions in Singapore that lead to GCE A-levels or International Baccalaureate. It takes 2 years to complete this course. H2 Chemistry is offered to students taking the Science stream in Junior Colleges.
What does H2 mean?
H2 stands for Higher 2. Subjects are examined in 3 different levels, H1 (Higher 1) being the lowest, H2 (Higher 2) and H3 (Higher 3) being the highest.
Read also: GCE A-Level Singapore – H1, H2, and H3 Explained
For every A-Level student, the basic combination is
| No. of Subjects | Level | No. of units per subject |
| 3 | H2 | 2 |
| 1 | H1 | 1 |
| 3 | H1 (compulsory)
General Paper, Project Work, Mother Tongue |
1 |
H3 is taken as an extension to the H2 level, allowing a more in-depth study of advanced content. Not every student is entitled to take H3 subjects. It is only offered if students are able to cope with additional subjects on top of their H1 and H2 subjects.
The grading for H1, H2, and H3 courses:
| H1 and H2 | H3 |
| A | Distinction |
| B | Merit |
| C | Pass |
| D | Ungraded |
| E | |
| S (sub-pass) | |
| Ungraded |
Syllabus of H2 Chemistry
Scheme of Assessment
| Papers | Type | Number of Questions | Marks | Weightage | Duration |
| 1 | MCQ | 30 | 30 | 15% | 1 h |
| 2 | Structured and Data-based Question | NIL | 75 | 30% | 2 h |
| 3 | Free Response Question | Section A:
3-4 compulsory questions Section B: Attempt 1 out of 2 questions |
80 | 35% | 2 h |
| 4 | Practical | NIL | 55 | 20% | 2 h 30 min |
H2 Chemistry Syllabus 2021
Physical Chemistry
-
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- The Gaseous State
- The Periodic Table
- The Mole Concept and Stoichiometry
- Chemical Energetics
- Reaction Kinetics
- Chemical Equilibria
- Chemistry of Aqueous Solutions
- Solubility Equilibria
Organic Chemistry
– Empirical, molecular, and structural formulae
– Functional groups and the naming of organic compounds
– Common terms for organic reactions and reactivities
– Shapes of organic molecules; σ and π bonds
- Isomerism
- Hydrocarbons
- Halogen Derivatives
- Hydroxy Compounds
- Carbonyl Compounds
- Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives
- Nitrogen Compounds
Electrochemistry
An Introduction to the Chemistry of Transition Elements
Why study H2 Chemistry? Do I need it?
Local universities offer professional undergraduate courses which require H2 Chemistry as an entry requirement. Some of these courses are Degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and more. These courses lead to professional jobs in the future.
Of course, that is if you are aiming to go into these fields, H2 Chemistry will greatly help you transit better from Junior College to University.
You may Google search ‘ALevel prerequisites’ to find out the most updated information from the universities. It will show you what is the basic subjects required to enter your desired course.
How to do well for H2 Chemistry?
Reading materials before class
This may be one of the things you hate doing when your lecturer asks you to read before the next class.
But little do you know, this actually helps you to stay ahead and ready for class.
At this stage, you are not required to understand the topics/chapters. The objective of reading before class is to help you get a rough idea of what the next lecture is going to be about and be prepared.
Overall, this allows you to fully utilize classroom time. This way also allows you to leave lectures with a better understanding of the concepts and have fewer questions.
Understanding instead of memorizing
If you actually enjoy and understand chemistry, it is a lot easier to study for it. When you understand the content, you no longer have to dread studying for this heavy content-based subject.
Clarify doubts as soon as you realize you don’t understand the concept.
Teach your friends. This is not only can help you grow confidence in the subject, it also helps you realize which parts you are not confident in.
Read also: Active Recall and Spaced Repetition: How to Study Effectively
Taking notes efficiently
More often than not, students do not take notes efficiently.
Lectures are fast-paced in university, which is why it is especially important to have note-taking skills.
Here are some simple Do’s and Don’ts of Note-Taking
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Use headings and separators to organize notes | Write long and rambling sentences |
| Be concise and to the point | Copy lecturer’s notes/ slides word for word |
| Review your notes to make sure you understand them | Make your notes pretty during lecture |
| Make sure you pick out important key points, keywords, and key phrasing | Mix notes from different lectures, separate by using a different book, page or paper |
| Write down formulas and equations even if they are in your notes | Copy large chunks of texts from books |
Why is Note Taking useful?
- Gives you an overview or summary of a topic
- Helps you remember better
- Helps you when you are revising
- Teaches you to be an active listener
Practice occasionally
Practicing smartly and occasionally is the way to go! Focus and practice more on your weakness.
We all know the feeling of not being able to solve a question or get a question right, but with practice comes eventual success. Remember that it is okay to struggle.
Learn to solve the questions yourself first before looking for help.
Getting help
Are you still struggling? It is time to get a tutor! Tuition helps you stay ahead and on task. Having a private tutor is beneficial for such a competitive education system in Singapore.
H2 Chemistry Tuition
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