Advanced Higher Chemistry

Course Rational

Who is this course for? 

The course is suitable for candidates who are secure in their attainment of Higher Chemistry or equivalent qualifications. It is designed for candidates who can respond to a level of challenge, especially those considering further study or a career in chemistry and related disciplines. 

 The course emphasises practical and experiential learning opportunities, with a strong skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all candidates, and provides sufficient flexibility to enable candidates to achieve in different ways. 

Course content 

The course content includes the following areas of chemistry: 

Inorganic Chemistry 

The topics covered are:  

• electromagnetic radiation and atomic spectra  

• atomic orbitals, electronic configurations and the periodic table  

• transition metals 

Physical Chemistry 

The topics covered are:  

• chemical equilibrium  

• reaction feasibility  kinetics 

Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis 

The topics covered are:  

• molecular orbitals  

• synthesis  

• stereo chemistry  

• experimental determination of structure  

• pharmaceutical chemistry 

Researching Chemistry 

The topics covered are:  

• common chemical apparatus  

• skills involved in experimental work  

• stoichiometric calculations  

• gravimetric analysis  

• volumetric analysis  

• practical skills and techniques 

Skills, knowledge and understanding 

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:  

• extending and applying knowledge of chemistry to new situations, interpreting and analysing information to solve complex problems  

• planning and designing chemical experiments/investigations, including risk assessments, to make a discovery, demonstrate a known fact, illustrate particular effects or test a hypothesis  

• carrying out complex experiments in chemistry safely, recording systematic detailed observations and collecting data  

• selecting information from a variety of sources and presenting detailed information appropriately, in a variety of forms  

• processing and analysing chemical information and data (using calculations, significant figures and units, where appropriate)  

• making reasoned predictions and generalisations from a range of evidence and/or information 

•  drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence and/or justification 

•  critically evaluating experimental procedures by identifying sources of uncertainty and suggesting and implementing improvements 

•  drawing on knowledge and understanding of chemistry to make accurate statements, describe complex information, provide detailed explanations and integrate knowledge  

• communicating chemical findings and information fully and effectively  

• analysing and evaluating scientific publications and media reports
  
  

Recommended entry

The course is suitable for candidates  who have achieved a grade C or better at Higher Chemistry.
It is also helpful to be working at Advanced Higher Mathematics.

Assessment and progression

The course assessment has two components, both of which are marked externally

• question paper (75%) and 

• project (25%).

Careers

The study of chemistry is of benefit not only to those intending to pursue a career in science, but also to those intending to work in areas such as the food, health, textile or manufacturing industries.