SCH4U
Chemistry
This Grade 12 university preparation chemistry course deepens students’ understanding of chemistry through organic chemistry, structure and properties of matter, energy changes and reaction rates, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry. Students refine quantitative problem solving, scientific investigation and communication while evaluating chemistry-related technologies and environmental impacts.
Grade
12
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
SCH3U
About This Course
This Grade 12 university preparation chemistry course deepens students’ understanding of chemistry through organic chemistry, structure and properties of matter, energy changes and reaction rates, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry. Students refine quantitative problem solving, scientific investigation and communication while evaluating chemistry-related technologies and environmental impacts.
What You'll Learn
- Study organic compounds, functional groups, reactions and their social and environmental impacts.
- Analyze molecular structure, bonding, shapes and properties of matter.
- Investigate energy changes, thermochemistry and factors affecting reaction rates.
- Analyze chemical equilibrium, acid-base systems and equilibrium calculations.
- Investigate oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemical cells.
- Develop advanced scientific investigation, quantitative analysis and communication skills.
Skills You'll Develop
- Advanced chemical problem solving
- Organic chemistry representation
- Thermochemistry and kinetics analysis
- Equilibrium and electrochemistry calculations
- Scientific investigation, modelling and communication
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply scientific investigation skills and identify chemistry-related careers and contributions.
- Analyze organic compounds, reactions and their social and environmental impacts.
- Explain structure, bonding, molecular geometry and relationships between structure and properties.
- Analyze energy changes and reaction rates in chemical systems.
- Apply equilibrium concepts to chemical systems, including acid-base contexts.
- Explain oxidation-reduction and electrochemical processes and solve related problems.
- Evaluate chemical technologies and communicate evidence-based scientific conclusions.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Organic Chemistry | 24 hours |
| 2 | Structure and Properties of Matter | 22 hours |
| 3 | Energy Changes and Rates of Reaction | 22 hours |
| 4 | Chemical Systems and Equilibrium | 20 hours |
| 5 | Electrochemistry | 20 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, reflecting consistent achievement with special consideration for more recent evidence. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 25% | Mandatory Grade 12 science written final examination. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment may include investigations and lab/simulation reports, chemical calculations, molecular models, problem sets, research tasks, case studies, tests, data analysis, presentations and the mandatory written final examination.
Pathways
Students explore careers related to chemistry, including chemical analysis, environmental chemistry, materials science, pharmaceuticals, food science, metallurgy, health and safety, engineering, laboratory technology and research.
SCH4U provides the chemistry foundation for many Ontario university science, health-science and engineering programs.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Direct instruction, worked examples and concept modelling establish precise chemical terminology, symbolic representation and quantitative methods.
- Inquiry investigations, teacher-approved laboratory activities, virtual labs and simulations support safe scientific practice.
- Molecular models, Lewis structures, VSEPR, energy diagrams, equilibrium models and electrochemical-cell diagrams support conceptual understanding.
- Guided problem solving, case studies, research, descriptive feedback and differentiated supports strengthen advanced chemical reasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
SCH4U — Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation (SCH3U).
How many credits is SCH4U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
What major topics are covered?
Organic chemistry, structure and properties of matter, energy changes and reaction rates, equilibrium and electrochemistry.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% coursework, 25% mandatory written final examination, and 10% attendance and participation.
Does the course include quantitative problem solving?
Yes. Thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base and electrochemistry problems are important parts of the course.
What careers and programs does SCH4U support?
Chemistry, engineering, pharmacy, environmental science, materials science, pharmaceuticals, food science, laboratory technology and related health-science programs.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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