National 5 Chemistry
The purpose of the National 5 course is to develop curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for chemistry in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry are integrated and developed throughout the course. The relevance of chemistry is highlighted by the study of the applications of chemistry in everyday contexts.
The course offers opportunities for candidates to develop the ability to think analytically and to make reasoned evaluations. It covers a variety of relevant contexts including the chemistry of the Earth’s resources, the chemistry of everyday products and chemical analysis. It develops a broad, versatile and adaptable skill set which is valued in the workplace, forms the basis for progression to the study of chemistry at a higher level, and provides knowledge useful in the study of all of the sciences.
The course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes. The course may be suitable for those wishing to study chemistry for the first time.
The course content includes the following areas of chemistry: Chemical Changes and Structure: In this area, topics covered are: rates of reaction; atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials; formulae and reacting quantities; acids and bases.
Nature’s Chemistry: In this area, topics covered are: homologous series; everyday consumer products; energy from fuels.
Chemistry in Society: In this area, topics covered are: metals; plastics; fertilisers; nuclear chemistry; chemical analysis.
Course assessment structure
- Question paper 100 marks
- Assignment 20 marks
The purpose of the assignment is to assess the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related chemistry knowledge and understanding. This component allows assessment of skills which cannot be assessed through the question paper, for example the handling and processing of data gathered as a result of experimental and research skills.
Higher Chemistry
Higher Chemistry has been designed to develop learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for Chemistry in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific enquiry and investigation are developed through the Course. We aim to highlight the relevance of Chemistry through the study of the applications of Chemistry in everyday contexts. Through application of a detailed knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts, in practical situations, learners have the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the impact of Chemistry on their everyday lives. The course gives learners the opportunity to develop the ability to think analytically, creatively, independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course is suitable for learners who have secured a grade A or B at National 5 Chemistry, along with securing a grade A-C at National 5 maths.
The course content is:
Chemical Changes and Structure: This unit covers: controlling the rate of a reaction, period trends, collision theory. Learners will be given the opportunity to explore the concept of electronegativity, intra-molecular and intermolecular forces.
Researching Chemistry: Learners will research the relevancy of chemical theory to everyday life by exploring the chemistry behind a topical issue.
Natures Chemistry: This unit covered the understanding of organic Chemistry within food and everyday consumer products such as soaps, detergents fragrances and skincare.
Chemistry in Society: This unit covers the principles of Physical Chemistry. Learners will learn to calculate quantities of reagents and products, percentage yield, atom economy, equlibria, and who to manipulate dynamic equilibrium, similar to the work carried out by Chemists working in industry.
The course assessment has three components:
- Question paper 1: Multiple choice 25marks
- Question paper 2: 95marks
- Assignment: 20marks
Progression:
Advanced Higher Chemistry or other qualifications in Chemistry or related areas. Further study, employment and/or training.
Advanced Higher Chemistry – S6
The Course builds on Higher Chemistry, continuing to develop the underlying theories of chemistry and the practical skills used in the chemistry laboratory. The Course also develops the skills of independent study and thought that are essential in a wide range of occupations.
The Course provides well-mapped concept and skills development pathways. It develops scientific understanding of issues relating to chemistry, and uses the development of chemical theory to build an extensive set of skills for learners. Through application of a detailed knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts, in practical situations, learners develop an appreciation of the impact of chemistry on their everyday lives.
Learners’ creativity will be developed and encouraged through opportunities to generate new ideas when planning and designing investigations and experiments, which they will carry out.
Practical investigative skills are particularly important at this level.
Unit 1: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry – This Unit covers the key areas of electromagnetic radiation and atomic spectra, atomic orbitals and electronic configurations and the Periodic table, transition metals, chemical equilibrium, reaction feasibility and kinetics
Unit 2: Organic Chemistry and Instrument – Analysis This Unit covers the key areas of molecular orbitals, molecular structure, stereo chemistry, synthesis, experimental determination of structure, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Unit 3: Researching Chemistry – The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation, analytical thinking, independent working, and knowledge and understanding of researching chemistry. This is done using a variety of approaches, including investigation and problem solving. The Unit offers opportunities for independent learning set within the context of experimental chemistry. Students develop skills of planning, experimental design and analysis of recorded data.
The Unit covers the key areas of gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis, practical skills and techniques and stoichiometric calculations.
