BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science - Chemistry Applications

The chemistry applications topic consists of 6 assignments. Each assignment will be awarded a pass, merit or distinction. The assignments are marked according to the following criteria:

 Assignment 1

Pass - describe atomic and electronic structures of elements 1–20, including isotopes, in the periodic table
Merit - describe the patterns and trends of chemical properties of groups 1 and 7 in the periodic table
Distinction- explain the patterns and trends within groups 1 and 7 in the periodic table

Assignment 2

Pass - investigate and describe ionic, covalent and metallic bonds
Merit - investigate and explain the difference in properties of substances with ionic, covalent and metallic bonded substances
Distinction- explain bonding in terms of stability — a means of achieving a full outer shell either by transferring or sharing electrons

Assignment 3

Pass - carry out investigations to collect primary data to define what is meant by exothermic and endothermic reactions
Merit - using examples of suitable investigations collect primary data and describe the differences between exothermic and endothermic reactions
Distinction - explain the processes involved in exothermic and endothermic reactions

Assignment 4

Pass - investigate and use primary data to identify the factors affecting reaction rates and reversible reactions
Merit - investigate the use of primary data to describe how factors affect reaction rates and reversible reactions
Distinction - use primary data to evaluate how different factors affect reaction rates for a given industrial reaction

Assignment 5

Pass - investigate and describe the use of three main types of organic compounds used in society
Merit - explain the benefits and disadvantages of using organic compounds in society
Distinction - evaluate the importance of organic compounds used in society

Assignment 6

Pass - describe how human and natural activities affect the earth and its environment.
Merit - explain how human and natural activities affect the earth and its environment.
Distinction - evaluate the effects of human and natural activity on the earth

A merit will only be awarded if the evidence for the assignment covers both the criteria for pass and merit.
A distinction will only be awarded if the evidence for the assignment covers all the criteria for pass merit and distinction.