National 5 Chemistry

The purpose of the Course is to develop learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for chemistry in a range of contexts. The key skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are integrated and developed throughout the Course. The relevance of chemistry is highlighted by the study of the applications of chemistry in everyday contexts. This will enable learners to become scientifically literate citizens, able to review the science-based claims they will meet.

The course is split into three units:

Chemical Changes & Structure

This unit will cover the following:

  • rates of reaction
  • nuclide notation
  • bonding
  • chemical formulae
  • balancing chemical equations
  • the mole
  • acids and bases

Nature’s Chemistry

This unit will cover the following:

  • structure and nomenclature of the alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters
  • energy from fuels

Chemistry in Society

This unit will cover the following:

  • metals
  • redox reactions
  • electrochemical cells
  • polymerisation
  • creative plastics
  • fertilisers
  • nuclear chemistry
  • chemical analysis

KEEP CALM CHEMISTRY