The relevance of chemistry is highlighted by the study of the applications of chemistry in everyday contexts. The purpose of the Course is to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed by the learner in Higher Chemistry and to provide a useful bridge towards further study of chemistry.
The Advanced Higher Chemistry Course aims to enable learners to:
- develop a critical understanding of the role of chemistry in scientific¨ issues and relevant applications, including the impact these could make on society/the environment
- extend and apply knowledge, understanding and¨ skills of chemistry
- develop and apply the skills to carry out¨ complex practical scientific activities, including the use of risk assessments, technology, equipment and materials
- develop and apply scientific enquiry and¨ investigative skills, including planning and experimental design
- develop and apply scientific analytical¨ thinking skills, including critical evaluation of experimental procedures
- extend and apply problem solving skills in a¨ chemistry context
- further develop an understanding of scientific¨ literacy, using a wide range of resources, in order to communicate complex ideas and issues and to make scientifically informed choices
- extend and apply skills of¨ independent/autonomous working in chemistry
The Course provides well-mapped concept and skills development pathways. The Course develops scientific understanding of issues relating to chemistry, and uses the development of chemical theory to build an extensive set of skills for learners. Through application of a detailed knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts, in practical situations, learners develop an appreciation of the impact of chemistry on their everyday lives.
The Course gives opportunities for learners to develop the ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. Learners’ creativity will be developed and encouraged through opportunities to generate new ideas when planning and designing investigations and experiments, which they will carry out.
Learners’ creativity will be developed and encouraged through opportunities to generate new ideas when planning and designing investigations and experiments, which they will carry out.
The key skills of scientific enquiry and investigation are integrated and developed throughout the Course. The Units offer opportunities for collaborative and independent learning, set within familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Practical investigative skills are particularly important at this level. This is reflected in the opportunity to carry out high-quality experimental work within all the Course Units and particularly in the Researching Chemistry (Advanced Higher) Unit, which incorporates both practical techniques and skills of scientific investigation.
The Course content has been selected to allow learners to study key chemical concepts within situations of personal relevance, using up-to-date contexts. Skills of scientific investigation, communication skills, literacy and numeracy are all developed within the Course.
The Course allows flexibility and personalisation by offering choice within the key areas.
The purpose of the Advanced Higher Chemistry Course is to develop 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. The Course also develops the skills of independent study and thought that are essential in a wide range of occupations.
The Course also serves to equip all learners with an understanding of the impact of chemistry on everyday life, and with the knowledge and skills to be able to reflect critically on scientific publications and media reports concerning chemistry. By using the broad skills base and knowledge and understanding of detailed chemistry key areas, learners will become scientifically literate citizens and be able to review the science-based claims they will meet and to communicate in an evidence-based manner. This also allows learners to make their own reasoned decisions on many issues within a modern society increasingly dependent on chemistry, science and technology.
