Chemistry

Aims of the Department

Contribute to the overall school aims in terms of the personal and social development of pupils.

Help pupils to develop skills, and confidence in using their skills.

Encourage good communications and relationships with pupils, staff and parents.

Make pupils aware of the contribution that chemistry makes to their everyday lives and to assist pupils to develop the ability to make informed comments and judgements regarding social and environmental issues.

Inspire and motivate pupils to produce work of the highest quality.

Share ideas and learn from experience.

Teach effectively, creating optimum learning opportunities for all, extending the more able whilst supporting the less able.

Respect and value all pupils equally regardless of ability.

Youth and Experience – Pupils and staff working together with a clear focus on Learning and Teaching

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is involved with materials of every description. Their source can be the earth, the atmosphere or anything living there.

Chemistry touches on many areas of study – biology, economics, geography, astronomy, geology, physics and, of course, medical science.

A chemistry certificate or degree can be a useful entry to non-scientific pursuits. Success in this subject also shows an ability to assimilate information, to reason clearly and to present a coherent solution to a theoretical or practical problem.

What will I learn?

You will develop important and relevant skills, attitudes and attributes related to chemistry including: developing scientific and analytical thinking skills, developing an understanding of chemistry’s role in scientific issues, acquiring and applying knowledge of chemistry concepts, developing understanding of chemical products and how they are formed and applied in society.

You will be introduced to important chemical concepts and apply skills in areas such as the development and use of novel and new materials, including forms of energy generation.

Progression.

You can progress to National 4 or 5, Higher or AH Chemistry

In a recent government study it was found that there is an increase in demand for students with STEM qualifications (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). As a result students with STEM qualifications can expect to have a wider choice of careers and expect to earn more than non-STEM subjects.

National 3 and National 4 courses are internally assessed. National 5 has external assessment.

Careers in Chemistry

Should I take Chemistry in 3rd year?
Should I take Chemistry in 5th year?
Will I find it too difficult?
Do I need to take it at university?

These are the kinds of questions students ask about any subject, not just Chemistry. The quality of your life as an adult will depend on getting a satisfying job. Here are some of the jobs which will be open to you with a qualification in Chemistry.

Industry – textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, brewing, oil refining, and many more. Almost every industry in Britain requires a chemist.
Forensic science – prevent and detect crime
Sport – enhance performance by developing new materials
Pathology – to help diagnose disease
Education – to teach or lecture
Environmental chemistry – monitor air quality and industrial emissions

A chemistry qualification lets you do almost anything.

Chemistry is the preferred entrance subject for the following degree courses –