A Level: Chemistry

A-level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘what is the world made of’ and it’s the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that chemistry provides are endless.

What do I need to start a Chemistry A-level course?

Enthusiasm!

At least 5 GCSE’s grade 4 or higher, including English Language and Mathematics at a Grade 6.

Grade 6-6 or higher in Trilogy Science GCSE (Double)

Grade 6 in Chemistry GCSE and 6-5 in the other two sciences

Other qualifications may be considered; please discuss with us.

There is overlap between Chemistry and the other sciences, especially Biology. There are also obvious links with Mathematics, and it is strongly advised students take this course in addition to their Physics studies. However, we will be happy for students to take Chemistry out of pure interest, yet this could limit progress in some areas of the course.

Chemistry is a practical subject as well as a rigorous academic discipline. You must be prepared for this aspect of the course and should enjoy practical work, such as qualitative analysis and titrations.

We follow the AQA Chemistry (7405) syllabus: details can be found on the AQA website www.aqa.org.uk.

The content is divided into three fundamental chemistry areas:

Physical chemistry (Including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle, thermodynamics, rate equations, the equilibrium constant Kp, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells

Inorganic chemistry Including periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7(17) the halogens, properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic chemistry Including introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis, optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography

The full A-level qualification has there terminal examinations which will cover the content of the whole two-year course and assesses the twelve required practical. In order to progress to the A2 course it is expected that that you pass internal assessments to at least a grade D.

Practical assessment will be covered by maintaining a lab book of twelve required experimental tasks. A complete lab book is a requirement of passing the practical skills assessment. The theory of practical skills and data analysis is examined within the examinations.

For all Level 3 pathways five passes (9-4) or more at GCSE's are required including at least Grade 4 in Maths and / or English Language. 66 in Double Science; if triple 665 with 6 in Chemistry.

Chemistry is a very useful, well respected A-Level. It is recognized as being an A-Level which develops a wide range of skills. The subject is good preparation for study of Chemistry related courses at University and can lead onto a career in the Chemistry industry.

Biological sciences are becoming ever increasingly biochemical and Chemistry AS and A-Level will be vital to anyone studying A-Level Biology and thinking of studying Biology or Biochemistry. Chemistry is a requirement if you wish to study Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, optometry, chemical engineering or Veterinary Science.

Chemistry can be used to start courses such as Law, Maths, Computing, Environmental Science, Management, Business and even Art and Design.

If you choose to study Chemistry the skills you learn will be recognized whatever your choice of career.