Chemistry, the study of matter and its interactions, contributes essential knowledge and
understanding across all aspects of our lives. Chemistry explains the links between the
particulate nature of matter and the macroscopic properties of the world. Chemistry
research and development is essential for the introduction of new products. The
chemical industry is a major contributor to the economy of the country.
National 4
Pupils will learn about:
- Chemical Changes and Structure – Learners develop knowledge of the chemical reactions in our world. Through practical experience learners will investigate rates of reaction, energy changes of chemical reaction, and the reaction of acids and bases and their impact on the environment. They will learn about chemical equations and research atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials.
- Nature’s Chemistry – Learners research the earth’s natural resources. They will investigate how fossil fuels are extracted and processed for use. They will find out the chemistry of using fuels, their effect on the environment and the impact of renewable energy sources. They will look at plants as a source of fuels and consumer products; and how chemists use plants in the development of products associated with everyday life.
- Chemistry in Society – Learners will focus on the chemical reactions, properties and applications of metals and alloys. Through research, learners will compare and contrast the properties and applications of plastics and new materials. They will investigate the use of fertilisers, the formation of elements, and the presence of background radiation, and will research the use of chemical analysis for monitoring the environment.
There is no external assessment. To achieve the National 4 Chemistry Course Award, learners must pass all of the required assessments for the above 3 units. Leaners are also required to pass an Added Value Unit. This requires them to carry out an investigation and apply the skills and knowledge they have learned during the course to produce and pass an assignment.
Useful links for parents to support young people:
BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zhvycdm
SQA N4 Chemistry (available via tile on Glow launch pad. The most useful section is the Course Assessment Specification).
National 5
Pupils will learn about:
- Chemical Changes and Structure – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Rates of reaction, Atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials (Periodic table and atoms, Covalent bonding and ionic compounds), Formulae and reacting quantities (Chemical formulae, Calculations involving the mole and balanced equations, Percentage composition), Acids and bases (pH, Neutralisation reactions and preparing soluble salts)
- Nature’s chemistry – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Homologous series (Carbon chemistry, Alkanes, Cycloalkanes, Alkenes), Everyday consumer products (Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Energy from fuels)
- Chemistry in society – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Metals (Metallic bonding, Reaction of metals, Redox, Extraction of metals, Electrochemical cells), Plastics (Addition polymerisation, Representation of the structure of monomers and polymers), Fertilisers (Commercial production of fertilisers, Haber and Ostwald processes), Nuclear chemistry (Radiation, Nuclear equations, Half life, Use of radioactive isotopes), Chemical analysis (Common chemical apparatus, General practical techniques, Analytical methods, Reporting
National 5 Chemistry has 2 components which are assessed. Component 1 is the examination. This is marked by the SQA out of 100 marks (25 multiple choice questions and 75 marks from structured and extended response questions). Component 1 is worth 80% of the overall grade. The remaining 20% is made up of Component 2 which is the assignment. This is made up of a research stage and a report stage done as a controlled assessment in school. The finalised assignment report will be marked by the SQA out of 20 marks.
Useful links for parents to support young people:
Achieve (excellent one stop complete revision aid – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
Scholar (online revision course – available via tile on Glow launch pad
BBC Bitesize: National 5 Chemistry – Scotland – BBC Bitesize
If pupils are absent (or just wish to revise a particular area of work), presentations are available for each key area of the course via the WestOS tile on the Glow launch pad.
SQA N5 (available via tile on Glow launch pad. The most useful sections are the past papers / marking schemes and the Course Assessment Specification).
Higher
Pupils will learn about:
- Chemical changes and structure – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Periodicity, Structure and bonding (Types of chemical bond, Intermolecular forces, Oxidising and reducing agents)
- Nature’s chemistry – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Systemic carbon chemistry, Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Esters, fats and oils, Soaps, detergents and emulsions, Proteins, Oxidation of food, Fragrances, Skin care
- Chemistry in society – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Getting the most from reactants, Controlling the rate (Collision theory, Reaction pathways, Kinetic energy distribution, Chemical energy, Equilibria, Chemical analysis (Chromatography, Volumetric analysis)
- Researching Chemistry – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Common chemical apparatus, General practical techniques, Reporting experimental work)
Higher Chemistry has 2 components which are assessed. Component 1 is the examination. This is marked by the SQA out of 120 marks (25 multiple choice questions and 95 marks from structured and extended response questions). Component 1 is worth 80% of the overall grade. The remaining 20% is made up of Component 2 which is the assignment. This is made up of a research stage and a report stage done as a controlled assessment in school. The finalised assignment report will be marked by the SQA out of 20 marks (but scaled to 30 marks).
Useful links for parents to support young people:
Achieve (excellent one stop complete revision aid – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
Scholar (online revision course – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
BBC Bitesize
If pupils are absent (or just wish to revise a particular area of work), presentations are available for each key area of the course via the WestOS tile on the Glow launch pad.
SQA Higher Chemistry (available via tile on Glow launch pad. The most useful sections are the past papers / marking schemes and the Course Assessment Specification).
Advanced Higher
Pupils will learn about:
- Inorganic chemistry – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Electromagnetic radiation and atomic spectra, Atomic orbitals, electronic configurations and the periodic table, Transition metals
- Physical chemistry – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Chemical equilibrium, Reaction feasibility, Kinetics
- Organic chemistry and instrumental analysis – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Molecular orbitals, Synthesis, Stereo chemistry, Experimental determination of structure, Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Researching chemistry – Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Common chemical apparatus, Skills involved in experimental work, Stoichchiometric calculations, Gravimetric analysis, Volumetric analysis, Practical skills and techniques
Advanced Higher Chemistry has 2 components which are assessed. Component 1 is the examination. The 3 hour exam is marked by the SQA out of 110 marks (25 multiple choice questions and 85 marks from structured and extended response questions. This is then scaled to 120 marks). Component 1 is worth 75% of the overall grade. The remaining 25% is made up of Component 2 which is the project. This is made up of a research stage and a report stage. The finalised project report will be marked by the SQA out of 25 marks (but scaled to 25% of the overall marks for the course assessment).
Useful links for parents to support young people:
Scholar (online revision course – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
