National 4 Chemistry
Who is this course for?
The Course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes. The Course may be suitable for those wishing to study chemistry for the first time. This Course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways.
Course structure
The Course has four mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit.
Chemical Changes and Structure
Learners will develop scientific skills and knowledge of the chemical reactions in our world. Through practical experience learners will investigate rates of reaction, energy changes of chemical reaction, and the reactions of acids and bases and their impact on the environment. Focusing on these reactions, learners will work towards the concept of chemical equations. Learners will research atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials.
Nature’s Chemistry
Learners will research the Earth’s rich supply of natural resources which are used by each and every one of us. Learners will investigate how fossil fuels are extracted and processed for use. They will investigate: the chemistry of using fuels, their effect on the environment and the impact that renewable energy sources can have on this; plants as a source of fuels, carbohydrates and consumer products; and how chemists use plants in the development of products associated with everyday life.
Chemistry in Society
Learners will focus on the chemical reactions, properties and applications of metal and alloys. The chemistry of metals in chemical cells is explored. Through research, learners will compare and contrast the properties and applications of plastics and new materials. Learners will investigate the use of fertilisers, the formation of elements, and the presence of background radiation, and will research the use of chemical analysis for monitoring the environment.
Added Value Unit: Chemistry Assignment
Learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
Assessment
To achieve the National 4 Chemistry Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit.
National 4 Courses are not graded.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
National 5 Chemistry or related areas
further study, employment and/or training
Skills, knowledge and understanding
This includes:
demonstrating knowledge and understanding by making statements, describing information, providing explanations
applying knowledge of chemistry to familiar situations, interpreting information and solving problems
planning experiments to illustrate a particular effect, applying safety measures
carrying out experimental procedures, safely, recording general observations and collecting data
using information handling skills by selecting, presenting and processing information
making generalisations based on evidence/information
drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence
suggesting improvements to experiments
communicating findings/information
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.