Are you writing Chemistry in your NECO (SSCE or GCE) exam this year? The NECO Chemistry syllabus helps you know where all your NECO Chemistry questions will be asked from.
You will see the NECO Chemistry exam structure, full list of syllabus topics, areas of concentration and study tips on Chemistry in NECO exam this year.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO PASS NECO CHEMISTRY EXAM
Let’s begin…
NECO Chemistry Exam Structure
The exam is divided into three papers:
SECTION 1
Paper 1: Objective Questions
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 60 minutes
- Total of 50 marks
Paper 2: Essay/Theory
- Covers the entire syllabus
- 2 hours
- 100 marks
- The paper will be in two sections; Sections A and B.
Section A: Will consist of ten short-structured questions drawn from the common portion of the syllabus. (i.e., Section A of the syllabus). Candidates will be required to answer all the questions for 25 marks.
Section B: Will consist of two questions from the common portion of the syllabus (i.e. Section A of the syllabus) and two other questions from the section of the syllabus which is peculiar to the country of the candidate (i.e., either Section B or C of the syllabus). Candidates will be required to answer any three of the questions. Each question shall carry 25 marks.
Paper 3: Practical Test (or Alternative to Practical)
- 2-hour practical test for school candidates
- 1 hour 30 30-minute alternative to practical work test for private candidates.
- Each version of the paper shall contain three compulsory questions
- 50 marks
- The questions shall be on the following aspects of the syllabus: One question on quantitative analysis; One question on qualitative analysis; and The third question shall test candidates’ familiarity with the practical activities suggested in their teaching syllabuses.
See NECO Chemistry Syllabus
Here are the Chemistry topics and areas of concentration under each topic which you must study according to the official NECO syllabus.
NECO Chemistry Syllabus
1. Introduction to Chemistry
- Measurement of physical quantities.
- Scientific measurements and their importance in chemistry.
- Scientific Methods
2. Structure of an atom
- Gross features of the atom
- Atomic number/proton number, number of neutrons, isotopes, atomic mass, mass number
- Relative atomic mass (Ar) and relative molecular mass (Mr) based on the Carbon12 scale
- Characteristics and nature of matter
- Particulate nature of matter: physical and chemical changes
- Electron Configuration
- Orbitals
- Rules and principles for filling in electrons
3. Standard separation techniques for mixtures
- Classification of mixtures
- Separation techniques
- Criteria for purity
4. Periodic chemistry
- Periodicity of the elements
- Different categories of elements in the periodic table.
- Periodic law
5. Chemical bonds
- Interatomic bonding
- Formation of ionic bonds and compounds
- Properties of ionic compounds
- The naming of ionic compounds
- Formation of covalent bonds and compounds
- Properties of covalent compounds
- Coordinate (dative) covalent bonding
- Shapes of molecular compounds
- Metallic Bonding
- Factors influencing its formation
- Properties of metals
- Intermolecular bonding
- Intermolecular forces in covalent compounds
- Hydrogen bonding
- Van der Waals forces
- Comparison of all bond types
6. Stoichemistry and chemical reactions
- Symbols, formulae and equations
- Chemical symbols
- Empirical and molecular formulae
- Chemical equations and IUPAC names of chemical compounds
- Laws of chemical combination
- Amount of substance
- Mole ratios
- Solutions
- Concentration terms
- Standard solutions
- Preparation of solutions from liquid solutes by the method of dilution
7. States of matter
- Kinetic theory of matter
- Changes of state of matter
- Diffusion
- Gases
- Liquids
- Vapour and gases
- Solids
- Structures, properties and uses of diamond and graphite
- Determination of melting points of covalent solids
8. Energy and energy changes
- Energy and enthalpy
- Description, definition and illustrations of energy changes and their effects
9. Acids, bases, and salts
- Definitions of acids and bases
- Physical and chemical properties of acids and bases
- Acids, bases and salts as electrolytes
- Classification of acids and bases
- Concept of pH
- Salts
- Deliquescent, efflorescent and hygroscopic compound
- Acid-Base indicators
- Acid-Base titration
10. Solubility of substances
- General principles
- Practical application of solubility
11. Chemical kinetics and equilibrium rates
- Rate of reactions
- Equilibrium
12. Redox reactions
- Oxidation and reduction process
- Oxidizing and reducing agents
- Redox equations
- Electrochemical cells
- Electrolysis
13. Chemistry of carbon compounds
- Classification
- Functional group
- Separation and purification of organic compounds
- Petroleum/crude oil
- Determination of empirical and molecular formulae and molecular structures of organic compounds
- General properties of organic compounds
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Alkynes
- Benzene
- Alkanols
- Alkanoic acids
14. Chemistry, industry, and the environment
- Chemical industry
- Pollution
- Biotechnology
15. Basic Biochemistry and synthetic polymers
- Proteins
- Amino acids
- Fats/oils
- Carbohydrates
- Synthetic polymers
NECO Chemistry Practicals
16. General skills and principles
- Measurement of mass and volume
- Preparation and dilution of standard solutions
- Filtration, recrystallisation and melting point determination
- Measurement of heats of neutralization and solutions
- Determination of pH value of various solutions by colorimetry
- Determination of rates of reaction from concentration versus time curves
- Determination of equilibrium constants for a simple system
17. Quantitative analysis
- Acid-Base Titrations
- Redox Titrations
18. Qualitative analysis
- Characteristic tests of the following cations with dilute NaOH(aq) and NH3(aq); NH4; Ca2+; Pb2+; Cu2+; Fe2+; Fe3+; Al3+; and Zn2+
- Confirmatory tests for the above cations
- The characteristic reaction of dilute HCl on solids or aqueous solutions and conc. H2SO4 on solid samples of the following: Cl– ; SO32- ; CO32- ; NO3– and SO42-
- Confirmatory tests for the above anions
- Comparative study of the halogens; displacement reactions
- Characteristic tests for the following gases: H2; NH3; CO2; HCl and SO2
- Characteristic test tube reactions of the functional groups in the following simple organic compounds: Alkenes; alkanols; alkanoic acids, sugars (using Fehling’s and Benedict’s solutions only); starch (iodine test only) and proteins (using the Ninhydrin test, Xanthoporteic test, Biuret test and Millon’s test only).
Smart Study Tips for NECO Chemistry
- Create a weekly study plan by topic
- Group similar topics for better understanding
- Practice practical questions regularly
- Review NECO chemistry past questions alongside the syllabus.
- Time yourself when practicing past questions.
FAQs
Q: Is the NECO Chemistry Science syllabus the same as WAEC?
A: They are similar but not the same. Always use the NECO version when preparing for NECO exams.
Q: Do I need to study practical topics even as a private candidate?
A: Yes, you’ll take an “Alternative to Practical” paper that tests the same skills.
Q: Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
A: You can get it from syllabus.ng or ask your school to print a copy.
Summary on the NECO Chemistry Syllabus
Chemistry is a bonus subject if you follow the NECO chemistry syllabus and prepare smartly. Use this post as your study guide, cover every topic, and tackle past questions consistently.
Good luck with your preparation!
Leave a Reply