You are here: Subjects > Science > Chemistry > National 5
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry is vital to everyday life and allows us to understand and shape the world in which we live. You will learn about the applications of chemistry in everyday contexts such as medicine, energy and industry, as well as its impact on the environment and sustainability. You will learn how to think creatively and independently, and analyse and solve problems.
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:
What will I study?
You will learn about how we use the Earth’s resources, the chemistry of everyday products and environmental analysis. You will find out how chemistry affects our environment and our everyday lives. This will help you to make your own decisions on contemporary issues where scientific knowledge is constantly developing.
The course has three compulsory units. The units are similar to those for National 4 but you will be expected to achieve a higher standard of work.
Chemical Changes and Structure (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop scientific skills and knowledge of chemical reactions
- investigate rates of reaction, energy changes of chemical reaction, and the reactions of acids and bases and their impact on the environment
- research atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials.
Nature’s Chemistry (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- investigate the physical and chemical properties of cycloalkanes, branched chain alkanes and alkenes, and straight chain alcohols and carboxylic acids
- explore their chemical reactions and their uses in everyday consumer products
- investigate the comparison of energy from different fuels.
Chemistry in Society (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop skills to carry out practical investigations related to the chemistry of materials
- focus on the chemistry of metals and their bonding, reactions and uses
- investigate the connection between bonding in plastics, their physical properties and their uses
- investigate the chemical reactions and processes used to manufacture fertilisers
- research the use and effect of different types of nuclear radiation
- investigate chemical analysis techniques used for monitoring the environment.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
Units will be assessed internally by your teacher or lecturer as 'pass' or 'fail'. Your work will be assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- practical work - such as practical experiments
- written work - such as research assignments and reports
- projects
- question papers/tests.
Units do not contribute to your overall grade but to achieve the course qualification, you must pass all three units plus a course assessment.
The course assessment for this course consists of two components:
- question paper (80 marks)
- assignment (20 marks).
For the assignment component, you will be asked to investigate a relevant topic in Chemistry, focusing on its application and its impact on society/the environment, and produce a report on your findings. The assignment component will be conducted under supervision, and will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The question paper will be set and marked externally by SQA.
You must pass all the course units, including the practical assessment, and the written exam to be awarded the course qualification.
The course assessment is graded A-D.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Chemistry (National 5)