Chemistry is vital to everyday life and allows us to understand and shape the world in which we live. You will learn about the applications of chemistry in everyday contexts such as medicine, energy and industry, as well as its impact on the environment and sustainability. You will learn how to think creatively and independently, and analyse and solve problems.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Uniformed and Security Services
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:
You will learn about how we use the Earth’s resources, the chemistry of everyday products and environmental analysis. You will find out how chemistry affects our environment and our everyday lives. This will help you to make your own decisions on contemporary issues where scientific knowledge is constantly developing.
The course comprises three areas of study.
Chemical changes and structure
You will learn about:
Nature’s chemistry
You will learn about:
Chemistry in society
You will learn about:
The course assessment consists of two components totalling 120 marks:
For the assignment component, you will be asked to investigate a relevant topic in Chemistry, focusing on its application and its impact on society/the environment, and produce a report on your findings.
Both the assignment and question components will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.
The course assessment is graded A-D.
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
