Chemistry is all around us – not just in the laboratory. Chemical reactions are occurring daily – when you drive a car, light a fire, bake a cake and digestion in your body to name but a few!
Chemistry is a hands’ on, interactive subject. During your two-year study of Leaving Cert Chemistry, you will complete 28 mandatory experiments. This gives any student the necessary skills associated with laboratory techniques and scientific writing.
Leaving Certificate Chemistry will provide a stable foundation for any student who wishes to continue with Science related subjects after the completion of their Leaving Certificate.
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Teachers Names
Holly May McGovern
Paula Mc Gonnell
Subject Overview
Chemistry is a subject that requires very active participation which includes many experiments, calculations and real-life applications. Chemical reactions are all around us and understanding chemistry helps us make sense of the world around us.
As a Leaving Certificate science subject, the syllabus is designed to incorporate the following components:
- Science for the enquiring mind, or pure science, to include the principles, procedures and concepts of the subject as well as its cultural and historical aspects.
- Science for action, or the applications of science and its interface with technology.
- Science, which is concerned with issues - political, social and economic – of concern to citizens.
The Chemistry syllabus is offered at two levels; Higher and Ordinary level. Students will have approximately 180 hours class contact time over a two year period. The teaching is both practical and experiment based.
Who does Chemistry suit?
- Anyone who enjoyed Junior Cycle Science
- Anyone who takes pleasure in problem solving
- Students who strive for accuracy during experiments
- S tudents who can describe procedures of experiments
- Anyone who enjoys working as part of a team
- Any student who has an interest in any scientific career
- Any student who has an aptitude and interest in laboratory work
Topics Covered
- periodic table and atomic structure
- chemical bonding
- stoichiometry and formulas and equations
- acids and bases
- volumetric analysis
- thermochemistry
- organic chemistry
- rates of reaction
- chemical equilibrium
- Water chemistry.
- industrial chemistry
- atmospheric chemistry
Trips
- Each year our 6th Year students take part in revision Chemistry practicals, held in Maynooth University Campus. This trip co-insides with their Pre-exams as is a vital revision aid for the students.
- This gives students access to laboratories, equipment and knowledge from Maynooth University expert academics, technicians, and demonstrators.
- It gives students an insight into student life on campus and familiarises them with the university.
Eoghan Courtney wins prestigious Naughton Scholarship 2019
Largy college was delighted to hear that Eoghan Courtney was awarded a Naughton Scholarship based on his interest in STEM and fantastic Leaving Certificate results.
The Naughton Scholarship was set up in 2008 to promote the study of Engineering, Science and Technology at third level in Ireland. Each year 36 exceptional students are awarded Naughton Scholarships with at least one winner from each County.
Eoghan has been awarded a scholarship of €5000 per annum for the duration of his undergraduate degree programme. We wish Eoghan every success in his future studies.
To the right is a picture of Eoghan receiving his award.
Career opportunities in your subject
Ireland is home to 24 of the world’s top biotech and pharmaceutical companies so there is a huge demand for Chemists. If you like working in a laboratory or getting your hands dirty working in agricultural or want to use Chemistry to help solve some of the many problems our environment is facing, then there is a Chemistry job for you.
- Analytical Chemist
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemistry Teacher
- Geochemist
- Forensic Scientist
- Toxicologist
- Pharmacologist
- Materials Scientist
- Hazardous Waste Chemist
- Biochemist
- Agricultural Chemist
- Food and Flavour Chemist
- Cosmetic Chemist
Students' Work