SQA National 5 Chemistry specification (X813 75)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA National 5 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 National 5 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 National 5 Chemistry (X813 75) 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 National 5 Chemistry course develops scientific understanding of chemical concepts, principles and environmental applications. It encourages learners to explore the impact of chemistry on everyday life, society and the environment. The course aims to build confidence in scientific inquiry and investigative skills through hands-on experimentation and data analysis. It prepares learners for progression in chemistry or science-related fields while fostering responsible attitudes towards sustainable living and scientific innovation.
Subject content breakdown
1. Chemical Changes and Structure
- Atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials
- Formulae and reaction quantities
- Acids and bases, including neutralisation and pH scale
- Rates of reaction and energy changes
- Metals and their reactivity, extraction and corrosion
2. Nature’s Chemistry
- Homologous series and properties of hydrocarbons
- Everyday consumer products: alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters
- Energy from fuels: combustion and calorimetry
3. Chemistry in Society
- Metals and alloys: extraction, uses and properties
- Fertilisers and chemical analysis in agriculture
- Nuclear chemistry and its applications
- Environmental issues: water treatment, plastics and recycling
Assessment structure
Question Paper
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 100 marks total
- Section 1: Multiple-choice (25 marks)
- Section 2: Structured and extended-response questions (75 marks)
- Covers all units and skills of problem solving, knowledge and understanding
Assignment
- Research and practical task
- Report marked externally; 20 marks (20% of overall grade)
Investigative skills and data handling are assessed
- Final award based on combined performance
- Graded A–D or 'No Award'
- Assessed by SQA under controlled conditions
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA National 5 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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