Advanced Higher Chemistry
Course Overview
The Advanced Higher Chemistry Course develops learners’ knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural environments beyond Higher level.
The Course builds on Higher Chemistry continuing to develop the underlying theories of chemistry and the practical skills used in the chemistry laboratory. Learners develop the skills of independent study and thought that are essential in a wide range of occupations.
All pupils will complete 3 mandatory units of 40 hours plus 40 hours flexible time which are:
Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
electromagnetic radiation and atomic spectra, atomic orbitals and electronic configurations and the Periodic table, transition metals, chemical equilibrium, reaction feasibility and kinetics.
Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis
molecular orbitals, molecular structure, stereo chemistry, synthesis, experimental determination of structure, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Researching Chemistry
The Unit offers opportunities for independent learning set within the context of experimental chemistry. Learners will develop skills of planning, experimental design and analysis of recorded data. It also covers the key areas of gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis, practical skills and techniques and stoichiometric calculations.
Methodology
Assessment
Internal Assessment – assessed by the class teacher
To pass a unit each pupil must achieve 3 outcomes:
Outcome 1 – Planning, carrying out and reporting on an experiment / practical investigation
Outcome 2.1 – Assessment of knowledge from each key area of the unit
Outcome 2.2 – Assessment of problem solving skills
Outcome 1 is normally achieved whilst completing the project. Outcome 2.1 and 2.2 are achieved by passing tests at the end of each unit.
If an outcome is not achieved pupils will be offered support and an opportunity for reassessment.
External Assessment – assessed by the SQA
The course assessment is made up of two components:
Component 1 – Question Paper (Exam) 100 marks
Component 2 – Research Project 30 marks
Recording & Reporting
Resources
Heriot Watt’s Scholar programme offers a complete guide to AH Chemistry. Passwords are available from your teacher.
We also strongly recommend chemguide.co.uk – it is best to search for a topic (in google for instance) and look for the chemguide link in the search results.
All our resources used in class are available on Edmodo. A group code is made available to the class at the start of the year so that they can access each file.
Key documents include:
- explains all the information covered in the class.
ChemistryDataBooklet_NewH_AH-Sep2016
- this is provided to pupils both for classwork and in the exam
- Gives an indication of the key dates across the year. It is subject to change as we adapt to the needs of the class.
