St. Margaret's High School Airdrie

Science Department - Chemistry - National Qualifications

National 5

What will I learn in this subject?

In studying National 5 Chemistry you will:

Have an understanding of the impact of chemistry on everyday life, and with the knowledge and skills to be able to evaluate media reports. This will also equip learners to make their own decisions on issues within a modern society where the body of scientific knowledge and its applications and implications are ever developing. By using the skills base and knowledge and understanding of chemistry, learners will become scientifically literate citizens.

What skills will I have the opportunity to develop in this subject?

develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills
develop scientific analytical thinking skills in a chemistry context
develop the use of technology, equipment and materials, safely, in practical scientific activities
develop planning skills
develop problem solving skills in a chemistry context
use and understand scientific literacy, in everyday contexts, to communicate ideas and issues and to make scientifically informed choices
develop the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in chemistry
develop skills of independent working • drawing valid conclusions with explanations and evidence

EXPERIENCES

In this subject, what types of learning activities will I be involved in?

In studying Chemistry you will work with other students in researching a range of topics. You will have opportunities to problem solve and to develop your practical (experimental) skills during practical work.

How will my success as a learner be assessed?

To gain National 5, learners must pass all Units and the Course Assessment (the Assignment and the Question Paper)
The Course Assessment consists of the Assignment (a research investigation on a key topic, its application and its impact on society/environment. This will be presented as a report, researched in advance and written up under controlled conditions with the pupil’s research/data available) and a Question Paper (exam). Both are marked by the SQA and will be graded A to D.

CAREER PATHWAYS

What careers can I pursue as a result of studying this subject?

Studying chemistry can give you a passport to a wide range of careers. Doctors, vets, pharmacists, forensic scientists and people in very many other occupations require a knowledge of chemistry. Chemistry is central to most of the sciences. It is linked with physics through sciences such as astronomy and electronics and is linked to biology through sciences such as agriculture, biochemistry and marine biology. Careers, which require a Chemistry qualification include: Analytical Chemist, Technician, Nurse, Beautician, Dentist, Biochemist, Dietician, Environmental Scientist, Geologist, Chemical Engineer, Marine Scientist, Medicinal Chemist….However, many employers, often in areas quite unconnected with Science, highly value a qualification in chemistry.

How can I find out more about Chemistry?

Any questions please see Mr Callan

back to top

St Margaret's High School, Waverley Drive, Airdrie, ML6 6EU t. 01236 794888 f. 01236 747429 e. office@st-margarets.n-lanark.sch.uk d. directions to school

Website Privacy & User Policy I Site Index