Differences among H1, H2, and H3 Chemistry
Chemistry is taught at the H1, H2, and H3 levels in junior college, with the ‘H’ standing for higher. H1 and H2 Chemistry are designed to emphasise knowledge and application of scientific concepts and principles rather than factual content. However, H1 Chemistry covers significantly less content as compared to its H2 counterpart. For example, H1 Chemistry has two papers and no practical, whereas H2 Chemistry has four papers including a practical.
As for H3 Chemistry, it is the most advanced level offered by MOE to H2 Chemistry students. This is normally reserved for students who can manage additional subjects on top of their H1 and H2 studies. Students in the first year of junior college must meet their school’s requirements in order to read H3 Chemistry alongside H2 Chemistry in the second year of junior college.
Should you choose H1, H2 or H3 Chemistry?
The most crucial factor for you to consider when deciding whether to study H1, H2, or H3 chemistry is one’s future goals. If you intend to work in the life science, dentistry, engineering, or medical profession in the future, taking H2 Chemistry may be better than taking H1 Chemistry due to the greater breadth and depth of content.
On the other hand, taking H3 Chemistry is more suitable if you are more or less certain you will be studying a university programme involving Chemistry. As H3 Chemistry is taken as an extension to H2, it allows for more in-depth study and advanced topic exposure, providing you an edge over your peers. Furthermore, depending on the course and module, H3 subjects may allow you to be exempted from certain university modules.
Requirements for H1, H2 or H3 Chemistry
Students taking science topics in junior college are normally required to have taken the same subjects at O-Level. To take H1 or H2 Chemistry in junior college, students must have attained a pass in O-Level Pure Chemistry or Combined Science (with Chemistry).
As for whether or not a student is eligible to study H3 chemistry, it is up to the school’s discretion. Students usually need to excel in H2 Chemistry during examinations in the first year of junior college. If students meet the requirements for H3 Chemistry, the school will offer them the subject.
How to choose A Level Subject Combination?
In junior college, students are required to take 3 core subjects and 1 contrasting subject. The most conventional and recommended subject combinations are PCME (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics) and BCME (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics).
The ‘PCM’ or ‘BCM’ makes up the three science core subjects in the combinations above, with Economics serving as the opposing humanities subject. These two combinations are considered the safest options as they qualify for the majority of university courses.
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