Science plays a major role in the evolution of knowledge.  It empowers us to use creative and independent approaches to problem solving.  It arouses our natural curiosity and enables use to meet diverse, and ever expanding challenges.  It enhances our ability to inquire, seek answers, research and interpret data.  These skills lead to the construction of theories and laws that help us to explain natural phenomena and exercise control over out environment.  Science is, thus, an integral component of a balanced education.

The most important natural resource in the Caribbean is its people.  If the Caribbean is to plan an important role in the new global village and survive economically, a sustained development of the scientific and technological resources of its people is essential.

This CAPE syllabus is, therefore, designed to provide a coherent course of study which addresses, in addition to a specific knowledge base, the development of related skills and attitudes.  The syllabus takes into account the requirements of tertiary education at regional and international institutions.  The syllabus is structured in such a way as to ensure that students become aware of their moral, social and ethical responsibilities, as well as the benefits intrinsic to the practical application of scientific knowledge to careers in the scientific field.

Chemical principles are currently applied to societal concerns such as birth control, communicable diseases, environmental pollution and depletion of natural resources.  As such, chemistry is a major area of scientific study which impinges on and influences every facet of our daily lives – the food we eat, the clothes we wear, our health, environment and recreational activities.  Chemistry is, therefore a fundamental science that should be included as a part of our science education.

The syllabus aims to enable students to:

• acquire the knowledge and understanding of chemical principles so as to be suitably prepared for employment and or for further studies at the tertiary level;
• develop the ability to communicate chemical information derived from the collection, analysis and interpretation of data;
• appreciate, understand and use the scientific method in the solving of problems;
• develop good laboratory skills and practise safety measures when using chemicals and equipment;
• apply chemical knowledge to everyday life situations;
• appreciate that the advances in the field of chemistry are the result of the contributions from scientists in various disciplines;
• further develop the spirit of inquiring in order to continue the search for new ways in which the resources of our environment can be used in a sustainable way;
• recognise that advances in chemistry are constantly influenced by technological, economic, social, cultural and ethical factors;
• recognise the power, impact and influence which chemistry has in a modern scientific world;
• contribute to making the Caribbean scientifically literate and numerate.

The syllabus is arranged into two Units.  Each Unit consists of three Modules, each Module requiring 50 contact hours.

Unit 1: Chemical Principles and Applications I

• Module 1: Fundamentals in Chemistry
• Module 2: The Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
• Module 3: Analytical Methods and Separation Techniques

Unit 2: Chemical Principles and Applications II

• Module 1: Kinetics and Equilibria
• Module 2: Chemistry of the Elements
• Module 3: Industry and the Environment