Course Content
The course follows on from the Chemistry studied throughout the BGE, particularly S3 Chemistry. Data handling forms a significant part of the course along with a research assignment.
There are three units:
Chemical Changes and Structure
This develops scientific skills and knowledge of the chemical reactions in our world and investigates average rates of reaction and the chemistry of neutralisation reactions. Focusing on these reactions, pupils work towards the concept of balanced chemical equations. They will explore the mole concept, formulae and reaction quantities and the connection between bonding and chemical properties of materials is investigated.
Nature’s Chemistry
The Earth has a rich supply of natural resources used by all of us. This unit explores the physical and chemical properties of hydrocarbons, alcohols and carboxylic acids. It looks at chemical reactions and their uses in everyday consumer products.
Chemistry in Society
This unit develops the skills needed to carry out practical investigations related to the chemistry of materials. It focuses on the chemistry of metals, their bonding, reactions and uses and looks at the connection between bonding in plastics, their physical properties and their uses. Fertilisers and the use and effect of different types of nuclear radiation are also investigated and pupils will learn about the chemical analysis techniques used for monitoring the environment.
Recommended Entry
Pupils should have completed the S3 Chemistry course. Results of the S1-3 end of unit assessments and the S3 skills will be used to ensure that pupils are allocated places in the course at the appropriate level.
Pupils are also recommended to be undertaking or have achieved National 5 Maths and National 5 English.
Assessment
To gain a Course award at:
N5 - pupils must pass an externally marked written exam and complete a practical research assignment which is also marked externally.
The final award is graded A-D.
N.B. Pupils who are dropped from N5 to N4 level during the course will need to work on N4 content independently due to the differences in course content and assessments.
N4 - pupils must pass the unit assessments, complete a practical report and also a research task. These are all marked internally and there is no final exam. National 4 awards are graded Pass or Fail.
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 National 4 Chemistry can progress to National 5 and pupils successful at National 5
level can progress to 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.
These courses also provide 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.