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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 be expected to have:
What will I study?
This course develops scientific understanding of issues relating to chemistry, and uses the development of chemical theory to provide you with an extensive set of skills. Through application of a detailed knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts, in practical situations, you will develop an appreciation of the impact of chemistry on everyday life.
The course consists of four compulsory units and the course assessment unit.
Chemical Changes and Structure (3 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- gain knowledge and understanding of controlling reaction rates and periodic trends
- improve your ability to make reasoned evaluations by recognising underlying patterns and principles
- investigate collision theory and the use of catalysts in reactions
- explore the concept of electro-negativity and intra-molecular and intermolecular forces
- investigate the connection between bonding and a material's physical properties.
Researching Chemistry (3 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- learn the necessary skills to undertake research in chemistry
- research the relevance of chemical theory to everyday life by exploring the chemistry behind a topical issue
- develop the key skills associated with collecting and synthesising information from a number of different sources
- plan and undertake a practical investigation related to a topical issue, using your knowledge of common chemistry apparatus and techniques
- communicate their results and conclusions, using your scientific literacy skills.
Nature’s Chemistry (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- learn about organic chemistry within the context of chemistry of food and the chemistry of everyday consumer products, soaps, detergents, fragrances and skincare
- explore the relationship between the structure of organic compounds, their physical and chemical properties and their uses
- cover key functional groups and types of organic reaction.
Chemistry in Society (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- learn about the principles of physical chemistry which allow a chemical process to be taken from the researcher's bench through to industrial production
- calculate quantities of reagents and products, percentage yield and the atom economy of processes
- develop skills to manipulate dynamic equilibria and predict enthalpy changes
- investigate the ability of substances to act as oxidising or reducing agents and their use in analytical chemistry through the context of volumetric titrations
- use analytical chemistry to determine the purity of reagents and products.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
The course assessment has two components:
- a question paper (100 marks)
- an accounting related assignment (20 marks).
The question paper will assess your breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills accumulated across the course. The question paper will be set and marked by SQA.
The assignment will assess the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related chemistry knowledge and understanding.
Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. You must pass all four units and the course assessment to gain the course qualification.
The course assessment is graded A-D. Your grade will depend on the total mark for all the units in your course.
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):
Highers in a Nutshell - Chemistry (CfE Higher)