Chemistry S3/S4
Chemistry Standard Grade (General/Credit)
Chemistry Intermediate 1 and Access 3 Level
Chemistry Standard Grade (General/Credit)
What you can expect from the course?
The Standard Grade Chemistry course is designed for students of both Credit and General Level ability. The course will contribute to the applications of chemistry in everyday life and by also providing a suitable base for further study at Higher, Advanced Higher and University.
Since all scientific study involves problem solving, the course aims to develop the skills necessary to find solutions to problems.
Throughout the two-year course, the students will be continuously assessed on their achievements in 3 elements:
- Knowledge and Understanding
- Problem Solving
- Practical Abilities
The Topic areas studied are:
- Introducing Chemistry
- The speed of Reactions
- Atoms and the Periodic Table
- How Atoms Combine
- Fuels
- Hydrocarbons
- Properties of Substances
- Acids & Alkali
- Reactions of Acids
- Making Electricity
- Metals
- Corrosion
- Plastics
- Fertiliser
- Carbohydrates & Alcohols
Assessments will be carried out in each topic and individual student's attainment reported to parents by means of students' progress sheets whenever it is thought necessary.
What is expected of you?
Your eventual grade achieved will depend, not only on ability, but also on the effort made during the course.
The content of the course demands that work be done at home as well as in school and although abilities and ambitions may vary, it is estimated that students should be prepared to spend between one and one and a half hours on homework per week. It is also vital that they should learn to discipline themselves to organise their study to suit their needs.
Chemistry Intermediate & Access (Intermediate Level 1 & Access Level 3)
Content of the Course
Chemistry is the study of the particles our world is made of and how they react together.
Unit 1 - Chemistry in action deals with elements/compounds; chemical hazards; speeds of reaction; formulae; acids/alkalis.
Unit 2 - Everyday Chemistry deals with reactions of metals; corrosion; batteries; chemistry of soaps/shampoos; natural and synthetic fibres for clothes; fuels; fire fighting; oil products; plastics.
Unit 3 - Chemistry and Life deals with photosynthesis/respiration; greenhouse effect; fertilisers; food and diet; carbohydrates; fats/oils; proteins; food additives; alcohol.
Assessment:
Access 3: There are no final exams or external assessment. An award at access 3 is gained if all 3 units are successfully completed.
Intermediate 1: To gain a course award the student must pass the Course Assessment and all three units. The course Assessment is an external exam of 1½ hours worth 75 marks.
It has two sections:
- 20 Multiple Choice Questions (20 marks)
- 40 Extended Answer Questions (40 marks)
Unit Assessment
Access 3:
A unit award for each unit is achieved by passing an end of unit test AT Access 3 level and by successfully carrying out certain practical abilities.Intermediate 1:
An award for each unit is achieved by passing an end of unit test at Int 1 level and by successfully carrying out certain practical activities and writing a report on an investigation done in one of the units.
Int 1 and Access 3 courses are taught at the same time. The content and assessment for Access 3 is slightly easier.
