S3 Chemistry

Course level

In S3 Chemistry you will be working at Level 4. It is recommended that you have an average of 50% or more in your S1 and S2 topic tests, and that you have attained Level 3 Maths in S2.

Your S2 Science teacher will advise you on whether S3 Chemistry is an appropriate level of course for you. Studying Level 4 Maths alongside this course is also strongly recommended.

Course content: what will you learn?

Chemical analysis

You will begin the S3 course learning about a variety of chemical analysis techniques that are of importance in chemistry e.g. flame tests, gas tests, testing pH and chromatography. The key skills of safe working in a laboratory environment will be re-visited in addition to further developing your skills in the appropriate and correct presentation of scientific information.

Periodic table

You will build upon your knowledge of the periodic table from S2 developing a sound understanding of the structure of the periodic table in addition to properties of the elements. Definitions of key terminology will be explored including the likes of elements, compounds, atomic number and many more.

Chemical reactions

You will investigate signs of a chemical reaction and factors that affect reaction rate. You will be expected to plan experimental procedures to investigate such factors and to write a report of your findings. You will be expected to produce tables of experimental data, present this data in the form of a graph, carry out calculations where appropriate and thereafter analyse your data in order to come to a conclusion and finally evaluate your experimental procedures.

Atomic structure

You will gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the atom and the properties of the sub-atomic particles that atoms are made from. You will learn how to use nuclide notation to represent atoms and apply this

to the concept of isotopes. Calculation of the relative atomic mass will also be carried out. You will also learn about how ions are formed.

Bonding

You will learn about covalent, ionic & metallic bonding. For each you will be expected to describe what’s involved in the bonding, relate this to structure and also discuss the properties associated with each type of bonding. You will be introduced to the concept of valency and its role in working out the chemical formula for a compound. Calculation of the gram formula mass will also be studied. You will be introduced to the concept of the mole and carry out calculations involving moles, mass and gram formula mass. Chemical equations will be introduced in addition to the balancing of chemical equations.

Acids & bases

You will learn examples of acids & bases and their properties. Testing pH will be re-visited. You will study examples of neutralisation reactions and be able to name the products of these reactions. Balanced chemical equations will be re-visited. Preparation of soluble and insoluble salts will be investigated. The mole will be revisited where you will be carrying out calculations involving the mole, concentration and volume. You will research the causes of acid rain and examples of ways this can be addressed.

Skills

Along with the topics above, you will learn how to use the correct units; how to carry out experiments and investigations safely; how to draw graphs and analyse them in order to draw conclusions and make evaluations. A keen interest in, and aptitude for, Maths is a valuable asset for this course.

Teaching – what will you do?

You will learn through teacher-guided activities, including practical experiments and investigations, written work, calculations, research and presentation tasks.

Assessment – how will you be assessed?

You will be assessed as follows:

· End of topic assessments, covering knowledge & understanding and problem solving.

· Practical investigations, including planning, carrying out and reporting on an experiment.

· End of course exam which will form the basis for recommendations as to progression to National 4 or National 5 in S4.

Homework

You will be given regular homework tasks including practice questions, research and revision tasks.

Progression – what can you do next?

Students who achieve Level 4 in S3 can progress on to National 5 Chemistry in S4. Pupils who are working towards achieving Level 4 would be recommended to pursue National 4 Chemistry in S4, with the potential to continue on to National 5 Chemistry in S5.

Careers

Qualifications in chemistry can be a benefit to you in a wide range of careers. Examples include Chemical engineer, Environmental chemist, Biochemist, Medicine, Pharmacist, Forensic science, analytical or research scientist, Laboratory technician, Teacher and many more.