Why take this course?
Chemistry, the study of matter and its interactions, contributes essential knowledge and understanding across all aspects of our lives. Chemistry explains the links between the particulate nature of matter and the macroscopic properties of the world. Chemistry research and development is essential for the introduction of new products. The chemical industry is a major contributor to the economy of the country.
The course provides a grounding for the further study in higher education of chemistry and chemistry-related subjects such as environmental and food sciences, and provides valuable background knowledge for vocational training in many areas of health and technology.
What will I learn?
Chemical Changes and Structure (Higher)
This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of controlling reaction rates and periodic trends, and strengthens the learner’s ability to make reasoned evaluations by recognising underlying patterns and principles. Learners will investigate collision theory and the use of catalysts in reactions. Learners will explore the concept of electronegativity and intra-molecular and intermolecular forces. The connection between bonding and a material’s physical properties is investigated.
Researching Chemistry (Higher)
This Unit covers the key skills necessary to undertake research in chemistry. Learners will research the relevance of chemical theory to everyday life by exploring the chemistry behind a topical issue. Learners will develop the key skills associated with collecting and synthesising information from a number of different sources. Equipped with the knowledge of common chemistry apparatus and techniques, they will plan and undertake a practical investigation related to a topical issue. Using their scientific literacy skills, learners will communicate their results and conclusions.
Nature’s Chemistry (Higher)
This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of organic chemistry within the context of the chemistry of food and the chemistry of everyday consumer products, soaps, detergents, fragrances and skincare. The relationship between the structure of organic compounds, their physical and chemical properties and their uses are investigated. Key functional groups and types of organic reaction are covered.
Chemistry in Society (Higher)
This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of the principles of physical chemistry which allow a chemical process to be taken from the researcher’s bench through to industrial production. Learners will calculate quantities of reagents and products, percentage yield and the atom economy of processes. They will develop skills to manipulate dynamic equilibria and predict enthalpy changes. Learners will investigate the ability of substances to act as oxidising or reducing agents and their use in analytical chemistry through the context of volumetric titrations. Learners will use analytical chemistry to determine the purity of reagents and products.
How will I be assessed?
Component 1 — Question papers
Paper 1 - 40 minutes (multiple choice) - 20 marks.
Paper 2 - 2 hours 20 minutes - 95 marks.
Component 2 — Assignment
The purpose of the assignment is to allow the learners to carry out an in-depth study of a chemistry topic. The topic will be chosen by the learner, who will investigate/research the underlying chemistry and the impact on society/the environment.
The assignment will have 20 marks.
The grade awarded will be determined using both components.