SQA Higher Chemistry specification (X813 76)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Higher Chemistry exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official SQA Higher Chemistry specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official SQA Higher Chemistry (X813 76) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Higher Chemistry course (SCQF Level 6) provides learners with a thorough understanding of chemical principles and their applications in real-world contexts. It supports the development of analytical thinking, problem-solving and investigative skills through practical and theoretical work. The course promotes scientific literacy by exploring the nature and uses of chemical substances, the chemistry of everyday materials, and the role of chemistry in society and the environment. It is designed to prepare students for advanced studies or careers in science and technology fields, with an emphasis on precision, critical evaluation and safety in scientific procedures:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Chemical changes and structure
- Periodic trends: ionisation energy, electronegativity
- Bonding and structure: covalent, ionic, metallic, polar/non-polar, hydrogen bonding
- Intermolecular forces and physical properties: boiling/melting point trends
- Formulae, equations and calculations: balancing, mole concept, masses, concentrations, gas volumes
- Reaction rates: collision theory, activation energy, effect of temperature/concentration/surface area
- Reversible reactions and equilibrium: Le Chatelier’s principle, industrial optimisation
- Acids and bases: pH scale, dissociation of acids, neutralisation, strong/weak acids
Nature’s chemistry
- Hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, isomerism
- Alcohols and carboxylic acids: properties and reactions
- Esters, fats and oils: formation, hydrolysis, emulsifiers
- Proteins: structure, hydrolysis, enzyme denaturation
- Oxidation of food: aldehydes and ketones, antioxidants
- Soaps, detergents and emulsifiers: formation and usage
- Fragrances: synthesis and volatility
- Terpenes and essential oils: natural product extraction
- Polymer chemistry: condensation and addition polymerisation
Chemistry in society
- Extraction and uses of metals: reactivity series, electrochemical cells, redox
- Calculations in industrial processes: masses, volumes, enthalpy changes
- Fertilisers: ammonia production, Haber and Ostwald processes
- Nucleotides and isotopes: radioactive decay, half-life
- Chemical analysis: chromatography, titration, spectroscopy
- Environmental chemistry: water hardness, pollution, sustainability
- Chemistry of fuels: combustion, enthalpy of combustion, alternative fuels
Assessment structure
Question Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Marks: 25
- Covers breadth of course knowledge
- No choice of questions; all compulsory
Question Paper 2
- Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Marks: 95
- Includes data interpretation, structured and extended response questions
- Focus on application of knowledge, practical skills and reasoning
Assignment
- 8 hours total (2 hours write-up under controlled conditions)
- Marks: 20 raw marks, scaled to 30
- Involves researching a topic and reporting experimental work
- Assessed on: aim, underlying chemistry, data collection, analysis, conclusion, evaluation, structure
Grading and Weighting
- Paper 1: 17% of total
- Paper 2: 53% of total
- Assignment: 30% of total
- Grades awarded A–D based on cumulative performance across components
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding of chemistry
- AO2: Application of knowledge and practical skills
- AO3: Analysis, evaluation and problem-solving across theoretical and practical contexts:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA Higher Chemistry isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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