chemistry

course details S5 and S6

(Correct at March 2005)

Courses Offered

Advanced Higher

The study of chemistry at Advanced Higher level develops the student’s knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural environments.  The course builds on the Higher level, developing further the underlying theories of chemistry and the practical skills in the chemical laboratory.

The course is particularly suitable for students who wish to progress to degree courses either in chemistry or in subjects of which chemistry is a major component such as medicine, chemical engineering and environmental and health sciences.

Higher

As a one-year course the study of chemistry at Higher can make an important contribution to the student’s knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural world.  The course provides a grounding for the further study in higher education of chemistry and chemistry-related subjects such as environmental and food sciences, and provides valuable background knowledge for vocational training in many areas of health and technology.

Intermediate 2

The course is primarily designed to provide a “bridge” between achievement in knowledge and understanding and problem solving at General Level in Standard Grade and further study at Higher.  As such Intermediate 2 course could be the first year of a two-year Higher programme.

The course is also designed to allow students who have no previous experience of chemistry to progress to Higher in the following year.  As such it is particularly suitable as an introductory course for S5 and S6 students who wish to study chemistry for the first time.

Study of this course provides a coherent coverage of key chemistry concepts and, in conjunction with units at the same level from other science courses, could contribute to a Group award in Science.  

Intermediate 1

This course is for those pupils who have studied Standard Grade Science in S4 and who have found the topics on Materials and The Environment interesting.  It does not involve chemical equations or calculations like Intermediate 2 but will prepare pupils for the Intermediate 2 course which could be followed in S6 or in Further Education.

The topics studied are: 

Chemistry in Action: Speed of reactions: Acids & alkilis; Acid rain
Everyday Chemistry:  Metals; Corrosion; Batteries; Keeping clean; Clothing; Fuels; Plastics
Chemistry and Life:  Photosynthesis and respiration; Greenhouse effect; Chemicals & plant growth; Food & diet; Drugs

Course Content

Full details in a separate leaflet available from the Chemistry Department.

Assessment

With the exception of Advanced Higher there are three unit tests and three prescribed practical activities for each course.

Full details in the separate leaflet available from the chemistry department.

Additional Information

For careers information use the library.

Progression

STANDARD GRADE		S5		S6
Grade 1 or 2 - Credit Chemistry and Grade 1 or 2 - Mathematics		Higher		Advanced Higher
Grade 3 or 4 Chemistry with Mathematics grade 3 or 4 or Biology, Physics or Science at Grades 1 to 3 with Mathematics grade 3 or 4		Intermediate 2		Higher
Grade 5 to 7 Chemistry or Biology, Physics or Science at Grades 4 to 7		Intermediate  1		Intermediate 2