CSEC Chemistry study plan

CSEC Chemistry · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Chemistry content and principles (as defined in the CSEC Chemistry syllabus)

Build a one-page map of the CSEC Chemistry syllabus sections and mark where mole calculations, bonding, and organic chemistry sit
Define mole, Avogadro constant, relative atomic mass, and molar mass in your own words with units
Convert between mass, moles, and number of particles for at least 15 substances without notes
Balance 20 skeleton equations and classify each as combination, decomposition, displacement, or precipitation

A formula sheet plus a worked set of 20 balanced equations with correct state symbols, all checked against a textbook for errors

Week 2

Calculate empirical and molecular formulae from percentage composition data
Solve limiting-reagent problems and identify the excess reagent
Compute theoretical and percentage yield and explain sources of loss
Perform titrimetric mole calculations using concentration, volume, and mole ratio

A timed 10-question mole calculation test scored out of 10, with every wrong answer reworked and annotated

Week 3

Draw dot-and-cross diagrams for ionic, covalent, and coordinate compounds
Predict the type of bonding from position in the periodic table and explain resulting properties
Describe metallic bonding and relate it to conductivity, malleability, and melting point
Explain intermolecular forces and their effect on boiling point and solubility

A comparison table of ionic, covalent, giant covalent, and metallic structures with at least four properties and a one-line explanation for each

Week 4

Write and balance equations for reactions of acids with metals, bases, and carbonates
Describe preparation and properties of common gases and test for each
Explain oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer and oxidation number
Apply the reactivity series to predict displacement reactions

A reactions summary sheet covering at least 12 named reactions with equations, observations, and gas tests

Week 5

Describe the structure and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, and alcohols
Distinguish saturated from unsaturated compounds using bromine water and explain the test
Outline fermentation and cracking with conditions and equations
Name and draw structural formulae for the first four members of homologous series

A flowchart linking alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and acids with reagents and conditions on every arrow

Week 6

Describe electrolysis of molten salts and aqueous solutions with electrode equations
Predict products at anode and cathode using the electrochemical series
Explain electrolysis applications in refining and electroplating
Relate energy changes in reactions to bond breaking and bond forming

A set of electrode half-equations for six electrolysis cells with predicted products, self-marked against notes

Week 7

Describe rates of reaction and interpret factors affecting rate
Explain reversible reactions and apply Le Chatelier's principle to given changes
Describe the extraction and properties of at least two metals
Interpret simple energy profile diagrams for exothermic and endothermic reactions

A one-page summary of rates and equilibrium with three worked Le Chatelier predictions and justifications

Week 8

Two completed past papers with a scored breakdown by topic and a written list of the three weak areas with corrective actions

Week 2: Score at least 8 out of 10 on the mole calculation test without notes

Week 4: Explain bonding and structure types from memory and predict properties for an unseen compound

Week 6: Write correct electrode equations for four of six electrolysis cells unaided

Week 8: Achieve at least 60 percent on both timed past papers with all errors corrected and logged