National 4/5 Chemistry allows pupils to develop their interest in and understanding of the world in an engaging and enjoyable way. They will engage in a wide range of investigative tasks which, while fostering an enjoyment of Chemistry and learning, allow them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising, in a world where the skills and knowledge developed in Chemistry are needed across all sectors of society.

Chemistry provides an excellent training for many careers, both scientific and non-scientific.  The study of Chemistry promotes the development of transferable skills such as: problem solving, analytical thinking, numeracy, practical skills and co-operation with others.  These skills are much sought after in many occupations and fields of employment.

Course Content
Chemistry courses in S3 and S4 consist of four mandatory units.

Unit One: Chemical Changes and Structure
This Unit includes the study of atomic structure, formulae, reaction quantities and acids.

Unit Two: Nature’s Chemistry
This Unit includes the study of energy from fuels, chemical reactions and organic chemistry.

Unit Three: Chemistry in Society
This Unit includes the study of metals, plastics, ceramics, agrochemicals, nuclear chemistry and the techniques involved in chemical analysis.

Unit Four: Added value
In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.

Assessment
At both National 4 and National 5 pupils are required to pass each individual unit. Units one, two and three will be internally assessed by means of closed book tests.

At National 4 the Added Value Unit is also internally assessed by means of a Chemistry project undertaken in class.
National 4 awards are graded on a pass or fail basis.

At National 5 in addition to successfully completing each Unit Assessment pupils are required to undertake two additional forms of assessment to complete the Added Value Unit.

Question Paper
This is a written exam set by SQA. The paper will consist of 20 marks of multiple choice questions and 60 marks of extended response questions.
The question paper is worth 80% of the final mark.

Assignment
Pupils will undertake a chemical investigation which will assess the application of skills of scientific investigation/research and explain the impact of chemistry applications on society/the environment. The write-up of the report will be marked by SQA.
The assignment is worth 20% of the final mark.

National 5 awards are graded A-D.

Progression
Pupils who successfully complete the course assessment at level A-C can progress to Higher Chemistry in S5.