Overview
The StemCo syllabus is inspired by the Singapore education curriculum. Singapore is known for its excellence in PISA tests for Sciences for the last few years. Results from PISA indicate the quality and equity of learning outcomes attained around the world. By adopting the Singapore education curriculum as a reference, StemCo provides an opportunity for students globally to learn from one of the best practices of education in the world.
Our approach prioritizes understanding, application, and analysis of scientific and mathematical concepts over rote memorization of factual material. This shift in focus is intentional, recognizing the need for students to develop skills with long-term value in an increasingly technological world. Rather than concentrating on large volumes of factual information with limited short-term relevance, StemCo emphasizes critical thinking and practical application of learned concepts.
Categories and Exam Format
This document outlines the syllabus for each StemCo Chemistry category. The corresponding international grade levels and their Singapore grade-level equivalents are provided below for reference. All categories are assessed entirely through Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
| Category | International Grade Level | Singapore Grade Level Equivalent | Number of Questions (MCQ) | Exam Duration (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singa Junior | 9-10 | Secondary 3-4 | 40 | 120 |
| Singa Senior | 11-12 | Junior College 1-2 | 40 | 120 |
Syllabus
The StemCo syllabus is designed to cover essential areas and concepts crucial for a holistic understanding of subjects. While it provides a general framework for the topics featured in StemCo competitions, it is not intended to be exhaustive or overly detailed. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for students that encourages deep comprehension and real-world problem-solving, preparing them for future success in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
The syllabus includes a category called "Others" for concepts that don’t fit into the main topics. This section may include questions about recent advancements, trends, and discoveries related to the subject area, designed to be inspiring. Questions in this category can also be more advanced.
| Areas | Concepts |
|---|---|
| Experiment Techniques | Chromatography, Distillation, Filtration, Decanting, Separating Funnel, Heating, Crystallisation, Titration, Qualitative Analysis (Flame Tests: Grades 11-12) |
| Particulate Matter | Kinetic Particle Theory, Atomic Structure (Protons, Neutrons, Electrons; Isotopes, Atomic Notations etc.) |
| Bonding | Ionic & Covalent Bonding (including Structure & Properties of Materials), Van der Waals’ Forces |
| Reactions | Neutralisation, Redox, Energetics (exclude Hess’ Law), Simple Speed of Reaction (exclude Orders of Reaction), Electrochemistry (exclude use of Faraday Constant) |
| Moles & Stoichiometry | Relative Atomic Mass, Molar Mass, Concentration, Avogadro’s Constant, %-yield & purity, r.t.p. & s.t.p., Volumes, Empirical & Molecular Formula |
| Air & Atmosphere | Earth’s Atmospheric Composition, Acid Rain, CFCs, Greenhouse Gases, Carbon-Cycle, Carbon Monoxide & other Air Pollutants, Haber Process |
| Metals | Metallic Bonding, Alloys, Reactivity Series, Metal Displacement, Rusting, Stability of Metal Ores, Iron Extraction from Blast Furnace |
| Organic Chemistry | Homologous Series, Crude Oil, Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Addition & Condensation Polymerisation |
| Others | ... |
| Areas | Concepts |
|---|---|
| Moles & Stoichiometry | Relative Atomic Mass, Molar Mass, Concentration, Avogadro’s Constant, %-yield & purity, r.t.p. & s.t.p., Volumes, Empirical & Molecular Formula, ppm & ppb |
| Atomic Structure | Bohr’s vs. Quantum Mechanical Model, s, p, d & f Orbitals; Hund’s Rule, Aufbau Principle, Pauli Exclusion Principle, Atomic & Ionic Radii/Size Comparisons |
| Bonding | Ionic, Covalent & Dative Bonding; Intermediate-Type Bonding, Bond Length & Polarity, Molecular Geometry & VSEPR Theory, Intermolecular Forces |
| Reactions | Neutralisation, Redox, Energetics & Entropy, Reaction Kinetics (inclusive of Orders of Reaction, Half-Life, Mechanistic Steps etc.), Equilibrium, Electrochemistry |
| Gaseous State | Ideal Gas Equation, Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law, Graham’s Law, Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures, Real Gas |
| Periodicity | Trends across Periods (Electronegativity, Ionisation Energy, Electron Affinity, Oxides & Chlorides) & down/up Groups, Group 2 & Group 17 Properties |
| Transition Metals | Structure & Properties (due to partially-filled d-orbitals e.g., Colour, Variable Oxidation States, Complexation with Ligands & Crystal Field Theory etc.) |
| Organic Chemistry | Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkyl Halides, Aromatic Compounds, Hydroxyl & Carbonyl Compounds, Carboxylic Acid & Derivatives, Amines, Proteins, Peptides & Amino Acids |
| Others | ... |
