When you should consider taking H2 Chemistry: Differences between H1 and H2 Chemistry

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN H1 AND H2 CHEMISTRY

While O-level Chemistry focuses on factual content, A-Level chemistry concentrates more on interpreting and applying scientific concepts and principles. Advanced techniques are essential for students to recognize the need to build skills and long-term values in an increasingly technical environment rather than relying on large volumes of factual material that may have only short-term relevance. Rout learning can only help so much at the A levels. Suppose you are keen to pursue a career in the sciences, with a quest for long-term relevance after the O levels. You might be significantly facing a dilemma of whether or not to take on H1 chemistry or enroll in H2 Chemistry. The reason is for the subject’s demands and challenges that come with an overall pressure which they always encounter. For clarity purpose and also assist prospective chemistry students in dealing with all elements of fear and confusion, it is essential to know and note the critical difference between the two levels in chemistry, H1 and H2:

1. Practical examination– Students sit for two exam papers after covering the H1 chemistry syllabus. Paper 1 is a 30 marks compulsory multiple-choice question that runs for an hour. On the other hand, paper 2 is a structured question type that carries 80 marks and lasts two hours. Students won’t need to take the practical examination when writing H1 chemistry, unlike its H2 counterpart.
2. Content– H1 Chemistry covers significantly less content when compared to H2 Chemistry. This factor applies to both the range of topics as well as the individual depth of each. For instance, you’ll hear about Solubility Equilibria, Electrochemistry, and Transition Elements in H2 Chemistry. H1 Chemistry skips these altogether, though. H1 & H2 Chemistry tells you about Chemical Energetics, Chemical Equilibria, and Reaction Kinetics. The depth of content in H1 Chemistry is, however, noticeable shallower.

TOPICS COVERED IN H1 AND H2 CHEMISTRY

3. Entry requirements for university courses– A significant factor to consider by students are the entry requirements for specific university courses, such as Medicine, Chemical Engineering, and Pharmacy at NUS and NTU. It is essential to note that students taking H1 chemistry may not enroll for some science-related course that requires H2 chemistry.

COMPARING H1 & H2 ASSESSMENT FORMAT

COMPARING H1 & H2 ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

Passing examination at the H2 level requires determination, commitment, and due diligence on the students’ part because of the general conception that it tends to be more challenging than its H1 counterpart. It tests significantly on deductive skills. However, whether or not to take H1/H2 Chemistry depends on students’ self-assessment of their mastery, flair in the subject, and careful consideration of those mentioned earlier.   Furthermore, it is worthy to note that no matter how tasking H2 chemistry may seem, it is doable and achievable. Even more so, if you possess a strong mathematics background, clarifying doubt when unsure aids you in your preparation to securing you’re a for H2 chemistry.   Putting in the required effort to study some topics and understand the concepts does ground your foundation. Still, it is a more profound appreciation of Chemistry, especially Organic Chemistry, that would help you score better. Engaging in practice that teaches how to apply the concept is equally important. Remember, deductive skills are the key to achieving your distinction at the H2 level.   All subjects come with their own set of peculiar difficulties, and though H2 A Levels Chemistry might seem like one of the most difficult H2 courses, there are still convincing reasons why you should take up the subject if you can.  

BENEFITS OF LEARNING A-LEVEL H2 CHEMISTRY.

1. For many university courses, H2 chemistry is an essential entry requirement.

H2 chemistry is the subject of several widely sought-after courses on the university list as an entrance prerequisite, as mentioned before. A few of these courses include those in engineering, computing, and science. Medicine especially requires H2 Chemistry as the prerequisite. Taking H2 Chemistry enables students to develop their interest in the subject and develop the content and skills needed for further studies. For medicine, veterinary science, software development, surgery, engineering, environmental science, and many more, H2 Chemistry is essential.

2. It opens the doors to a broader spectrum of careers.

While faculty applications are one part of the consideration, career choices would matter more. It is something you would do for the long haul after you have graduated from university. Hence for students who are keen to pursue a career in sciences such as research, vet, or in hospitals should consider carefully taking H2 Chemistry to broaden their understanding and base for the subject.

3. It develops and broadens your knowledge of the world and the things in it.

Chemistry is a popular ‘central science’ subject. It links multiple areas of research together. Learning H2 chemistry improves the understanding of this ‘core science’ and allows you to make sense of other disciplines, even with how diverse it is. Chemistry at the H2 level is directly related to everyday life and teaches students to apply their scientific knowledge to tackle real-life scenarios like environmental problems and sustainable food production. Organic Chemistry is an arm of Chemistry tested that is extremely applicable ot what we see everyday.

4. It is THE subject for your self-improvement.

H2 chemistry teaches students how to develop hypotheses, a skill that is useful for research. It also strengthens students’ critical abilities and teaches them appropriate ways of constructing evidential and logical explanations. The realistic aspect of H2 chemistry also helps students hone their planning skills by applying what they have learned to perform experiments. Deductive skills are the most precious qualities conferred to the H2 Chemistry student, and this is not only targeted towards academics and scoring distinctions. It allows a student to appreciate deeply, Chemistry and develop a keen and intuitive guide to hypothetical thinking and making logical deductions as an individual. This is a valuable quality which would aid you in your career development as person with quick deductive skills, sound logical decisions while developing strong hypothesis and testing them. As far-fetched as this may sound to you, as a teacher I strongly encourage students to think of long-term instead and do note that whatever you have put in hard work will pay off in due time for your long term goals, rather than be microscopic for short term gains.   Ultimately, it is essential and advisable to take the subject you love or one that would help you now and in your chosen career. Forcing yourself to take a subject that you do not want simply because of the benefits it presents may result in a lack of motivation and cause your grades to suffer. Taking a subject you do not need, which is difficult, may also turn out to be a waste of your time as you could have spent the time learning something else you need. You need to weigh your options carefully before you make your decision. Need a consult? Contact Mr Lim for academic advice today. All the best!