Higher Chemistry

Award received

Higher Chemistry is graded A, B, C, D or No Award.

Entry level – what do you need to do it?

For entry into Higher Chemistry an A or B is recommended at National 5 level. Studying Higher Maths alongside this course is also strongly recommended.

Course content: what will you learn?

Chemical changes & structure – In this unit you will gain a more in depth understanding of the periodic table in relation to patterns that exist within groups and across periods. You will build upon your knowledge of bonding, structure & properties in both elements and compounds with reference to both intramolecular and intermolecular bonding and how these types of bonding influence chemical and physical properties. You will also build upon your knowledge of oxidation, reduction & redox reactions and learn about the importance of oxidising & reducing agents in a range of applications.

Nature’s chemistry – In this unit you will further explore the organic chemistry concepts covered in National 5. You will re-visit isomers and apply an understanding of isomers to more homologous series. You will learn about esters and their uses, fats & oils, soaps, detergents & emulsions, proteins, reactions of foods e.g. oxidation and how to reduce the likelihood of such reactions taking place. You will also learn about the chemistry of fragrances and also the chemistry of skin care.

Chemistry in society – In this unit you will study the chemical industry and learn about factors that influence industrial process & design including environmental considerations. You will be introduced to the concept of chemical equilibria and how this has an important role to play within the chemical industry. You will carry out a range of calculations that form an integral part of chemical reaction design e.g. % yield and % atom economy calculations. You will gain a more in depth understanding of the mole and carry out calculations related to this. You will gain a more in depth understanding of factors that affect reaction

rate building upon the knowledge you gained in National 5 and relating this to the concept of chemical energy.

Throughout the course important chemical analysis techniques will be studied including the likes of chromatography and volumetric analysis techniques. Researching chemistry techniques also form an integral part of the course in which you should be familiar with key pieces of chemical apparatus and practical techniques.

Skills

The skills you learn in Higher Chemistry are greatly valued by employers. You will develop your problem-solving skills and apply them to real-world problems. You will build on your practical skills by conducting experiments and analysing and interpreting your results.

Teaching – what will you do?

You will learn through teacher-guided activities, including practical experiments and investigations and problem-solving activities.

Assessment – how will you be assessed?

You will be assessed as follows:

· Unit assessments, covering knowledge and understanding and problem solving.

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

· Externally-marked practical assignment, which includes researching and reporting on a relevant topic of your choice.

· External SQA exam at the end of the course.

Homework

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

Progression – what can you do next?

Students who achieve an A or B (Assignment and final exam combined) and want to continue with Chemistry would be recommended to progress to Advanced Higher Chemistry. Higher Chemistry is required for many university courses - the skills you gain are greatly valued by universities and many employers.

Careers

Higher Chemistry is particularly relevant for a wide range of careers. Examples of Chemistry careers include medicine, forensic science, environmental science, petrochemical industry, teaching, pharmaceutical industry, chemical engineering and many more.