AP Chemistry: Curricular Requirements

• The teacher has read the most recent AP Chemistry Course Description.
• The course provides instruction in each of the following five content areas outlined in the Course Description:
  • Structure of Matter (Atomic theory and atomic structure, Chemical bonding)
  • States of Matter (Gases, Liquids and solids, Solutions)
  • Reactions (Reaction types, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium, Kinetics, Thermodynamics)
  • Descriptive Chemistry (Relationships in the periodic table)
  • Laboratory (Physical manipulations; Processes and procedures; Observations and data manipulation; Communication, group collaboration, and the laboratory report)
• The course emphasizes chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles.
• The course includes a laboratory component comparable to college-level chemistry laboratories. A minimum of one double-period per week or its equivalent is spent engaged in laboratory work. A hands-on laboratory component is required. Each student should complete a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports. Note: Online course providers utilizing virtual labs (simulations rather than hands-on) should submit their laboratory materials for the audit. If these lab materials are determined to develop the skills and learning objectives of hands-on labs, then courses which use these labs may receive authorization to use the "AP" designation. (For information on the requirements for an AP Chemistry laboratory program, the Guide for the Recommended Laboratory Program is included in the Course Description.)*

Resource Requirements

• The school ensures that each student has a college-level chemistry textbook (supplemented when necessary to meet the curricular requirements) for individual use inside and outside of the classroom.
• The school ensures that students have access to scientific equipment and all necessary materials to conduct safe, hands-on, college-level chemistry laboratory investigations.
• The school ensures that students have access to a safe laboratory environment.