Course Content
This course builds on the skills covered at National 5 and develops learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for chemistry in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed throughout the course. Higher Chemistry also involves the application of many Mathematics skills through the various calculations topics.
Chemical Changes and Structure [half-unit]
This topic looks at periodic trends, electro-negativity and intra-molecular and intermolecular forces and bonding and the exchange of electrons using the electrochemical series as an oxidising or reducing agent and their use in analytical chemistry.
Researching Chemistry [half-unit]
This explores the relevance of chemical theory to everyday life and the chemistry behind a topical issue. Pupils look at the collection and synthesis of information from a number of different sources and develop their knowledge of common chemistry apparatus and techniques, planning and undertaking a practical investigation.
Nature’s Chemistry
Organic chemistry within the context of the chemistry of food and the chemistry of everyday consumer products, soaps, detergents, fragrances and skincare is explored. This unit also looks at the structure of organic compounds, their physical and chemical properties and their uses and the key functional groups and types of organic reaction.
Chemistry in Society
This topic looks at the principles of physical chemistry and the calculation of quantities of reagents and products, percentage yield and the atom economy of processes. It explores dynamic equilibria and enthalpy change prediction, and the determination of the purity of reagents and products, and the rate of these reactions using collision theory and catalysts.
Recommended Entry
National 5 Chemistry preferably at A or B
OR
Higher Biology or Higher Physics at A-C
AND
National 5 Maths at A-C.
Data handling forms a significant part of the course.
Assessment
To gain the Course award pupils must pass an externally marked written exam and complete an investigation/research assignment which is also externally assessed and is 20% of the final grade.
The final award is graded A-D.
My Learning
What will be different in the senior phase?
You will study a range of Chemistry topics in more depth and develop skills in practical work and research.
How will I learn?
You will be required to work independently and in groups, developing your understanding through discussion and research. Emphasis is on the practical applications of chemistry and the transferrable skills that are part of any science course - problem solving, analysis, critical thinking, numeracy and practical skills.
What will my Home Learning commitment be?
Home learning forms an important part of the course and you will regularly be given homework tasks such as past paper questions, research tasks, written reports etc.
How will I know how I am progressing?
You will receive verbal and written feedback on class and homework as well as tracking and monitoring reports and assessments. These will help you to identify next steps with your teacher.
Progression
How can I take this course forward?
Pupils who are successful at Higher Chemistry can progress to Advanced Higher Chemistry.
The Chemistry courses give an excellent basis for a wide range of further study options and career choices. They can be used to gain entry to further and higher education courses in areas associated with the chemical sciences. These include Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary medicine, Chemical engineering, Environmental and Health sciences.
This course also provides a sound basis for direct entry into chemistry related employment such as oil and gas exploration, renewable energy development, engineering, technology, pharmaceuticals and environmental monitoring.