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Chemistry

Course Overview

AS and A Level Chemistry will inspire students, nurture their passion for chemistry and lay the foundations for further study. It covers the three main areas of chemistry; physical, inorganic and organic.

Very good observation, logical analysis, numeracy and practical skills are developed with the ability to write clear reports, all of which are desirable to future employers and institutions.

Possible careers include Chemical Research, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Teaching, Physiotherapy, Pharmacology, Physiology, Forensics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

Students have the opportunity to take part in a number of trips and visits:

Y12 Visits

  • Spectroscopy at a local University
  • Revision Lectures
  • Various Lectures
  • Opportunity to attend national R.S.C. competition

Y13 Visits:

  • Forensic workshop at a local University
  • Revision Lectures
  • Various Lectures.
Entry Requirements

Grades 6 and 6 in Combined Science or 6 in Chemistry and 6 in another science and 6 in Maths.

Qualities Required

High levels of interest, commitment and organisation; good mathematical skills; enthusiasm for practicals; enjoyment of science.

Links with Other Subjects

Chemistry links well with Physics and Biology, and also Mathematics and Geography to a lesser extent.

Exam Board

AQA

Method of Assessment

AS Level:

  • Paper 1 – 1.5 hours - 50%
  • Paper 2 – 1.5 hours - 50%

A Level:

  • Paper 1 – 2 hours – 35%
  • Paper 2 – 2 hours – 35%
  • Paper 3 – 2 hours – 30%
Units of study - As level 

Physical chemistry:

  • Atomic structure 
  • Amount of substance 
  • Bonding 
  • Energetics 
  • Kinetics 
  • Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle 
  • Oxidation, reduction and redox equations.

Inorganic chemistry:

  • Periodicity 
  • Group 2, the alkaline earth metals 
  • Group 7, the halogens.

Organic chemistry: 

  • Introduction to organic chemistry 
  • Alkanes
  • Halogenoalkanes 
  • Alkenes 
  • Alcohols 
  • Organic analysis.
units of study -A level 

Physical Chemistry:

  • Thermodynamics 
  • Rate Equations 
  • Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems 
  • Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells 
  • Acids and bases.

Inorganic Chemistry:

  • Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides 
  • Transition metals 
  • Reactions of ions in aqueous solution.

Organic Chemistry:

  • Optical isomerism 
  • Aldehydes and ketones 
  • Carboxylic acids and derivatives
  • Aromatic chemistry 
  • Amines 
  • Polymers 
  • Amino acids, proteins and DNA 
  • Organic synthesis 
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy 
  • Chromatography.