A Level: Chemistry

Why study this subject? Chemistry is the study of elements, compounds and their behaviour. It is a challenging subject that will build on existing knowledge of chemistry and explains how the world works. Chemistry is an important subject to choose if students want to go on to study many of the sciences at university including veterinary sciences, medicine and other professions allied to medicine. Chemistry is regarded as a facilitating subject by the Russell Group universities. Where can this subject lead? Students who study A Level Chemistry often go on to study science at degree level at university.

An A Level in Chemistry shows an aptitude for problem solving and handling numbers. These are skills that many courses and professions are looking for. Chemistry is often an essential subject for healthcare professions such as a doctor, dentist, veterinary and pharmacist.

How is the course assessed?

The chemistry A Level is a two year course and the content is split into six modules taught over the two years.

Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry

Module 2:Foundations in chemistry

Module 3: Periodic table and energy

Module 4: Core organic chemistry

Module 5:Physical chemistry and transition metals

Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis

Assessment: There are three written papers taken at the end of the two years: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (2 h 15 min, 37 % of A Level, assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5) Synthetic and analytical techniques (2 h 15 min, 37 % of A Level, assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6) Unified chemistry (1 h 30 min, 26 % of A Level, assesses content from modules 1-6) A separate Practical Endorsement will be assessed by teachers throughout the course. If students pass, then this will be reported on their certificate.

To join the Sixth Form there is an entry criteria of five standard passes at GCSE (at least a Grade 4). This must include at least a Grade 4 in English Language and Maths at GCSE. Students will need to gain at least a Grade 4 in the subjects they would like to study at A Level.

Chemistry A grade 6 or above in Maths plus a grade 6 or above in two Sciences, one of which must be Chemistry.

Chemistry is often essential to career paths in areas such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Chemical Engineering.

It is also very useful in careers outside of science. Chemists can work in a wide variety of industries including Biochemical, Pharmaceutical Research and Development, and Manufacturing.

Analytical, research and presentation skills developed during the course are useful in careers outside of science.