Higher Chemistry
Topics Taught
The course is designed for students who wish to continue their study of chemistry beyond Credit level and who may wish to progress to Advanced Higher. As such the Higher course could form the first year of a two-year post Credit level course.
As a one year course the study of chemistry at Higher can make an important contribution to the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural world.
The course provides a grounding for their further study in higher education of chemistry and chemistry related subjects.
The course has been designed in 3 independent units which together provide a wide and varied experience of chemistry
All units seek to develop knowledge and understanding, problem solving and practical abilities in the context of:-
- ENERGY MATTERS (H) 40 hrs - reaction rates; enthalpy; patterns in the Periodic Table; bonding, structure and properties; and the mole.
- THE WORLD OF CARBON (H) 40hrs - fuels; nomenclature and structural formulae; reactions and uses of carbon compounds; polymers; and natural products.
- CHEMICAL REACTIONS (H) 40 hrs - the chemical industry; Hess’s law; equilibrium; acids and bases; redox reactions; and nuclear chemistry.
Homework
Homework will consist of completing notes begun in class, answering questions on the current unit and for revision, writing summaries and revising for unit tests and examinations. Homework will be issued by the teacher as appropriate to the pupil’s position in the unit. Homework is expected to take up to approximately 3 hours per week.
Assessments (Internal and External)
To gain the award of this course, the pupil must achieve a pass in all component units of this course as well as the external assessment, which will provide the basis for grading the attainment in the course award. Pupils will have to write one report of an experimental activity per unit which will be internally assessed. Pupils will also sit a prelim. The external assessment will take place in May /June and consist of 2 papers; -
Paper 1 (1hr)- Fixed response paper (40marks)
Paper 2 (1hr 30 min)-Extended answer paper (60 marks).
Next Steps
Pupils may choose to continue with Advanced Higher Chemistry in school.
Chemistry is also a pre-requisite for many degree courses such as biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, forensic, pharmacy and many other science based courses.
Qualifications in chemistry can of course lead to employment in traditional chemical industries such as the oil and pharmaceutical industries. Chemistry graduates have many opportunities for employment or studies in research, teaching, commerce and industries.