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WHY CHOOSE CHEMISTRY?
Chemistry is all around. us. Our clothes, food, fuels we use and our environment are all connected with Chemistry. Everyday materials such as plastics, paints, dyes, fibres, pharmaceutical drugs could not have been developed without the chemists.
CAREERS
An understanding of Chemistry is welcomed in many jobs and not just scientific ones. It gives access to a wide range of careers from doctors, vets, forensic scientists, nursing, hairdressing and beauticians.
Click on the 'View Career Options' button to see the wide range of career options for Chemistry.
Click on the 'SQA Subject Info' button to find out more about Chemistry.
CHEMISTRY: PATHWAYS
Accessing via phone? Please switch to landscape to view the Chemistry pathways below.
Click on the drop down button to find out more about each level of study.
S1: SCIENCE
S1: SCIENCE
In S1 Science, students will learn about 6 different topics, two from each science:
1 - The Living World
2- Energy and Heat
3 - States of Matter (Chemistry)
4- Earth Chemistry (Chemistry)
5- Body Systems
6- Electricity and Magnetism
S2: SCIENCE
S2: SCIENCE
In S2 Science, pupils will again move through 6 different topics, 2 from each Science:
The Human Body (Biology)
Chemical Reactions (Chemistry)
Space, Light and Heat (Physics)
Microbes and Immunity (Biology)
Chemistry in Society (Chemistry)
Forces, Sound and Magnetism (Physics)
S3: CHEMISTRY
S3: CHEMISTRY
N3, N4 or N5
Chemical Changes and structure, Nature's Chemistry, Chemistry in Society
S4/5/6: Laboratory Science
S4/5/6: Laboratory Science
Course Content:
The SCQF Level 5 Laboratory Science course gives learners a practical introduction to working in scientific labs. It focuses on core lab skills, safe working practices, preparing solutions, using equipment, carrying out chemical and biological tests, and measuring radioactivity. Learners also complete a practical investigation and develop key employability skills needed for science‑based industries.
Assessment:
Assessment for the SCQF Level 5 Laboratory Science (Skills for Work) course is entirely practical and continuous, with no final exam. Each unit is assessed through a series of hands‑on tasks, observations, and short written or oral checks to confirm understanding. Learners must demonstrate safe working practices, correct use of equipment, accurate preparation of solutions, and the ability to carry out laboratory procedures. They also complete a practical investigation, which is assessed on planning, carrying out the experiment, recording results, and evaluating the process. All assessments are internally marked by the centre and externally verified by the SQA.
Why choose ?
It’s a great choice if you enjoy practical, hands‑on science and want to learn real laboratory skills used in industry. The course builds confidence with equipment and experiments, develops strong employability skills, and provides a useful pathway into science‑related study or careers.
S4: CHEMISTRY
S4: CHEMISTRY
N3, N4 or N5
Chemical Changes and structure, Nature's Chemistry, Chemistry in Society
N3
N3
N4
N4
N5
N5
S5/6: N4 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
S5/6: N4 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Living Environment, Sustainability, Earth's Resources
S5/6: N5 CHEMISTRY
S5/6: N5 CHEMISTRY
Living Environment, Sustainability, Earth's Resources
S5/6: HIGHER CHEMISTRY
S5/6: HIGHER CHEMISTRY
Chemical Changes and Structure, Nature's Chemistry, Chemistry in Society
S6: HIGHER CHEMISTRY
S6: HIGHER CHEMISTRY
Chemical Changes and Structure, Nature's Chemistry, Chemistry in Society
S6: ADVANCED HIGHER CHEMISTRY
S6: ADVANCED HIGHER CHEMISTRY
Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Researching Chemistry
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