National 3/4
National 3/4
The purpose of the course is to develop learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for chemistry in a range of contexts. The key skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are integrated and developed throughout the course. The relevance of chemistry is highlighted by the study of the applications of chemistry in everyday contexts. This will enable learners to become scientifically literate citizens, able to review the science-based claims they will meet.
Chemistry gives opportunities for learners to develop their ability to think analytically, creatively, and to make evaluations. The course covers a variety of contexts relevant to chemistry’s impact on the environment and society through the chemistry of the Earth’s resources, the chemistry of everyday products and environmental analysis.
The national 3/4 course allows flexibility and personalisation by offering choice in the contexts studied. The key areas of atomic structure, bonding and chemical equations are integrated throughout the Course. It offers a broad, versatile and adaptable skill set which is valued in the workplace, and forms the basis for study of chemistry at a higher level, while also providing a knowledge base useful in the study of all the sciences.
National 5
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, having passed their National 5 in another science.
This course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways.
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.
The course is assessed by an external exam and an assignment.
Higher
The course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes and achieved grade C or better in National 5 chemistry. The course may be suitable for those wishing to study chemistry for the first time, having passed Higher in another science.
This course emphasises practical and experiential learning opportunities, with a strong skills based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways.
The course content includes the following areas of chemistry:
Chemical changes and structure - In this area, topics covered are: periodicity, structure and bonding, oxidising and reducing agents
Nature’s chemistry - In this area, topics covered are: systematic carbon chemistry, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, fats and oils, soaps, detergents and emulsions, proteins, oxidation of food, fragrances and skin care
Chemistry in society - In this area, topics covered are: getting the most from reactants, controlling the rate, chemical energy, equilibria and chemical analysis
Advanced Higher
This course is designed for pupils to ease the transition from School into University or College. Lesson content is delivered in lecture style, with regular tutorial sessions. Pupils are expected to complete their work independently, motivate and organise their time and seek out help when they require it. This course includes a large variety of different independent practical work, including a personal research project.