Higher Chemistry

Why Chemistry?

The study of Chemistry at Higher can make an important contribution to your knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural world. The course provides a good basis for further study in Chemistry or related subjects, such as environmental and food sciences. It also provides valuable background knowledge for training in many areas of health and technology.

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 with Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving at Credit level.

·         Intermediate 2 Chemistry at C pass or above

and

·         Standard Grade Mathematics at Credit level or Intermediate 2 Mathematics.

Course outline

The course is made up of three 40 hour units and 40 hours flexible time.

Energy Matters

This unit develops knowledge and understanding, problem solving skills and practical abilities in the context of

·         reaction rates

·         enthalpy

·         patterns in the periodic table

·         bonding

·         structure and properties

·         the mole

The World of Carbon

This unit develops knowledge and understanding, problem solving skills and practical abilities in the context of

·         fuels

·         nomenclature and structural formulae

·         reactions and uses of carbon compounds

·         polymers

·         natural products

Chemical Reactions

This unit develops knowledge and understanding, problem solving skills and practical abilities in the context of

·         the chemical industry

·         Hess's Law

·         equilibrium

·         acids and bases

·         redox reactions

·         nuclear chemistry

Core Skills

·         H Problem Solving ( Critical Thinking, Planning and Organising, Reviewing and Evaluating)

·         H Numeracy (Using Graphical information)

·         Int.2 Numeracy ( Using Numbers)

Assessment

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

Progression

Successful Completion of this course may lead to:

Advanced Higher in

·         Chemistry

A Scottish Group Award at Higher in

·         Science

·         Technology

Education (HNC/HND/Degree); Employment in

·         Animals Land & Environment

·         Health & Medicine

·         Manufacturing Industries

·         Science & Mathematics

·         Security & Protective Services

·         Sports & Leisure

Further advice and information on these options is available from your teacher, guidance teacher/adviser and careers adviser.