H1 Chemistry students do not take practical examinations. Secondly, topics such as electrochemistry, thermodynamics are not tested in H1 Chemistry while Polymer Chemistry & Nanomaterials are taught for H1 but not H2. The format of the papers are different as well (see Table below)
However, Students who take H1 Chemistry may not qualify for certain Science-related courses in the University.
Usually the percentage of H1 students varies between 3-10 % of the cohort depending on the Junior College. Syllabus details and format of Papers can be found at the link below.
Written papers have an average mark/time ratio of 1.5 mins (i.e. you have only 1.5 min per mark), while for multiple choice questions in Paper 1, it’s 2 min per question.
Time management is of the essence and one of the value-add of joining the class is that you will be given much practice & guidance on how to manage your time effectively in preparation for, as well as during the exam.
Please feel free to contact the Chemistry tutor to clarify your doubts if you have any.
Online Link for H2 Chemistry detailed Syllabus & Assessment Scheme:
https://www.seab.gov.sg/docs/default-source/national-examinations/syllabus/alevel/2025-a-level-syllabus/8873_y25_sy.pdf
Online Link for H1 Chemistry detailed Syllabus & Assessment Scheme:
https://www.seab.gov.sg/docs/default-source/national-examinations/syllabus/alevel/2021syllabus/8873_y21_sy.pdf
Online Link for IB Chemistry HL detailed Syllabus & Assessment Scheme:
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/sciences/chemistry/
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/chemistryhl2016englishw.pdf
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/chemistrysl2016englishw.pdf
H1 CHEM (8873) | H2 CHEM (9729) |
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PRACTICAL NONE | PRACTICAL YES |
FORMAT OF ASSESSMENT Paper 1 (30 marks) 1 h (MCQ) Paper 2 (80 marks) 2 h | FORMAT OF ASSESSMENT Paper 1 (30 marks) 1 h (MCQ) Paper 2 (75 marks) 2 h Paper 3 (80 marks) 2 h Paper 4 (55 marks) 2.5 h (Practical) |
TOPICS TOTALLY OMITTED Electrochemistry Transition metals Solubility Product Thermodynamics Nitrogen compounds | TOPICS TOTALLY OMITTED Polymer chemistry Nanomaterials Group 1 Elements these are taught in H1 chem, but not rigorously |
REDUCED CONTENT Energetics Chemical kinetics Chemical Equilibria Acid Base Equilibria Intro to Org Chem Alkanes Alkenes Arenes Halogen Derivatives Hydroxy Compounds Carbonyl compounds Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives | NIL |
SAME CONTENT Mole Concept & Stoichiometry Redox Atomic structure Chemical bonding Chemical Periodicity (including trends down Group 2, 17) | SAME CONTENT Mole Concept & Stoichiometry Redox Atomic structure Chemical bonding Chemical Periodicity (including trends down Group 2, 17) |