Chemistry

Why study Chemistry?

Chemistry is a core science linking biology and physics at university and college level. Many important industries are chemistry based; food technology, pharmaceuticals, fuel and chemical production.

Chemistry is essential if you are interested in any of the following areas:

• Medicine, Veterinary Sciences and Dentistry.
• Agriculture and Food Sciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Biological Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Physiology
• Pharmacy

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of scientific issues that are relevant to everyday life as well as preparing the student for study at a higher level or employment.

Intermediate 1

Course Outline

The course is made up of three compulsory units:-

1. Chemistry in Action

Topics: Chemical Reactions; Bonding; Acids and Alkalis

1. Everyday Chemistry

Topics: Metals; Personal Needs; Fuels and Plastics

1. Chemistry and Life

Topics: Photosynthesis and Respiration, Chemicals and Plants, Food, Diet and Drugs.

Assessment

The course is assessed by a combination of internal assessment by the teacher and an examination set and marked by the SQA.

• Internal: Three unit tests each lasting 45 minutes. Credit is given for each pass. One experimental report will be required to be completed satisfactorily.
• External: One final examination paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

Progression

Successful completion of this course may lead to study at:

Intermediate 2

Standard grade

Course outline

Standard Grade General / Credit Level

The Standard grade Chemistry course has the following eight topics:

1. Introducing Chemistry
2. Blazing Away
3. See How They React
4. Electric Chemistry
5. Acids in Action
6. Plants and Fertilisers
7. Corrosion of Metals
8. Polymers and plastics

All of the things in the world and the universe are made up of chemicals. Chemistry is the study of these substances and what happens when they react together.

Assessment

The course is assessed at General and Credit levels, by a combination of internal assessment by the teacher and an examination set and marked by the SQA.

• Internal: Practical Abilities are assessed in school by the teacher.

• External: One final examination paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

Progression

Successful completion of this course will normally lead to study at the following levels:

• A pass at General Level – Intermediate 2
• A pass at Credit Level – Higher

Intermediate 2

Entry to the Course

This is at the discretion of the school but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:-

• Standard Grade Chemistry at General level
• Intermediate 1 (A or B pass)

Course Outline

The course is made up of three compulsory units

Course Details

Three units will be covered.

1. Building Blocks

Topics: Substances; Reaction Rates; The Structure of the Atom; Bonding, Structure and Properties; Chemical Symbolism and the Mole.

1. Carbon Compounds

Topics: Fuels; Nomenclature and Structural Formulae; Reaction of Carbon Compounds; Plastic and Synthetic Fibres; Natural Products.

1. Acids, Bases and Metals

Topics: Acids and Bases; Salt Preparation; Metals.

This course is an excellent preparation for progression to

Higher Grade Chemistry

Assessment

The course is assessed by a combination of internal assessment by the teacher and an external examination, set and marked by the SQA.

• Internal: Three NABs each lasting 45 minutes. Credit is given for each pass. One experimental report will be required to be completed satisfactorily.

• External: One final examination paper lasting 2 hours.

Progression

Successful completion of this course may lead to study at:

Higher

Higher

Entry to the Course

This is at the discretion of the school but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:

Standard Grade Chemistry at Credit level

Intermediate 2 Chemistry (A or B pass)

Course Outline

The course is made up of three compulsory units

1. Energy Matters

Topics: Reaction Rates; Enthalpy; Patterns in the Periodic Table; Structure and Properties; Bonding; the Mole.

1. The World of Carbon

Topics: Fuels; Hydrocarbons; Alcohols, Aldehydes and Ketones; Carboxylic acids and Esters; Polymers; Natural Products.

1. Chemical Reactions

Topics: The Chemical Industry; Hess’s Law; Equilibrium; Acids and Bases; Redox Reactions; Nuclear Chemistry.

Assessment

The course is assessed by a combination of internal assessment by the teacher and an external examination, set and marked by the SQA.

• Internal: Three NABs each lasting 45 minutes. Credit is given for each pass. One experimental report will be required to be completed satisfactorily.

• External: One final examination paper lasting 2 hours 30 minutes.

Progression

Successful completion of this course may lead to study at:

Advanced Higher