CHEMISTRY
S3 COURSE
This course consists of 3 units.
In Unit 1 (Chemical Changes and Structure) you will study some of the basic concepts of Chemistry including Chemical Reactions; Periodic Table; Atomic Structure and Chemical Formulae and Equations. These concepts are then further developed through the study of Rates of Reaction; Bonding and Properties; and Acids, Bases and Alkalis.
In Unit 2 (Nature’s Chemistry) you will learn about Fossil Fuels and how they are processed for use, along with the environmental impact of burning them and alternative energy sources. This topic then looks specifically at the types of molecules within hydrocarbons: their structures, names and general reactivity. You will also have the opportunity to research the use of plants in making consumer products such as pharmaceuticals.
In Unit 3 (Chemistry in Society) you will learn about the various applications of Chemistry through the study of materials such as Metals, Alloys, Plastics and Composites. The need for Fertilisers and the impact of their use will also be explored. Analytical chemistry techniques will be developed through the investigation of environmental pollution.
Throughout the course, core scientific skills such as putting data into a table, predicting and drawing graphs will be developed. You will be required to work both independently and as part of a team in a variety of activities to enhance your learning. In addition to this, you will be expected to complete homework tasks to consolidate your learning.
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
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S3 Chemistry will give the students more opportunities to interact with the materials of the world around us and understand why jewellery cannot be made from potassium metal but from gold instead; or why crude oil stored under the sea bed can’t be put straight into cars as petrol; or why table salt can be formed by the reaction between an acid and an alkali.
This course includes written theory and practical work and requires students to learn and understand concepts and explain their reasoning thoroughly, using the terminology required by a chemistry course.
This course is designed for people with a keen interest in chemistry that will enable them to develop their practical science skills, problem solving skills, analytical thinking skills as well as their teamwork and communication.
Chemistry would be a good choice for someone interested in completing practical experiments to help them understand the chemistry that is in the world around them.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Homework
Homework is given regularly and when relevant to what has been covered in class. This can be found on Show My Homework, and on your class team. Often you will have a separate jotter for homework.
How you will be assessed
You will have the opportunity to be assessed continuously in class as you demonstrate your knowledge through answering and asking questions and completing practical work. You will also have tests at the end of each unit.
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
The skills and knowledge you learn in S3 Chemistry are directly applicable to other STEM subjects which would allow for progression within these fields whilst also being suitable for studies and careers which require teamwork, communication, problem solving and analytical thinking.
S4 and beyond
Moving into S4, pupils progress onto the National 4/5 Chemistry course which further develops their knowledge of chemistry, building on what has been covered in S3. Pupils may also opt for the NPA course which focusses on science within a practical context.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.
Callum - S3
I enjoy chemistry and I wanted to keep doing it. I enjoy the range of tasks we are given because it’s not just book work. It’s a good course if you enjoyed chemistry in S1 and S2.
Ananya - S3
I picked chemistry this year because it interested me. I have enjoyed doing experiments the most. Some of the equations are hard but it is interesting and good.
