National 5 Chemistry

Award received

National 5 Chemistry is graded A, B, C, D or No Award.

Entry level – what do you need to do it?

Entry into National 5 Chemistry will normally depend on your attainment in the S3 Chemistry course.

Your S3 Chemistry teacher will advise you on whether National 5 is an appropriate level of study for you.

Course content: what will you learn?

Chemical changes and structure

In this Unit, you will develop scientific skills and knowledge of the chemical reactions in our world. Through practical experience you will investigate rates of reaction, energy changes of chemical reaction, and the reactions of acids and bases & their impact on the environment. Focusing on these reactions, you will work towards the concept of chemical equations. You will research atomic structure & bonding and relate this to the properties of materials.

Natures chemistry

You will research the Earth’s rich supply of natural resources which are used by each and every one of us. You will develop a deeper understanding of the importance of fuels and will study examples of hydrocarbon fuels, their uses and their properties. Calculation of the energy released by the burning of fuels will also be investigated. Further examples of carbon containing compounds (alcohols and carboxylic acids), their properties & their uses will also be studied.

Chemistry in society

You will learn about chemical reactions, properties and applications of metal and alloys. The chemistry of metals in chemical cells is explored. Through research, you will compare and contrast the properties and applications of plastics and new materials. You will investigate the use of fertilisers and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of their use.

Examples of important industrial processes associated with fertiliser production will also be studied. You will also learn about nuclear chemistry including the study of types of radiation & their properties in addition to studying nuclear reactions and their contribution towards energy production.

Teaching – what will you do?

Much of the course will be teacher-led but you will also be involved in a variety of tasks including practical experiments & investigations, written work, research and N5 assignment preparation.

Assessment – how will you be assessed?

You will be assessed as follows:

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

· Practical investigation, 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, eg practice questions, research and revision tasks.

Progression – what can you do next?

Students who achieve a pass in National 5 Chemistry (Assignment and final exam), ideally at Grade A or B, would be recommended to progress to Higher Chemistry. Studying Higher Mathematics is also recommended.

Careers

Chemistry is involved in our everyday lives and there is a vast range of jobs and careers open to those who have studied Chemistry at any level;

great career opportunities exist both inside and outside the lab! Chemistry qualifications are essential for many careers including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical industry, Forensic science, Environmental science, Petrochemical industry, Chemical engineering and many more.