A Level: Chemistry

Overview of subject:

Chemistry is designed to be stimulating and challenging. It helps us tounderstand the world in which we live and underpins a wide range of sciencebased degree courses and careers. Success with A level chemistry will prepare you for a future in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medicine and dentistry.

Chemistry is perfect for students who enjoyed and excelled at the subject at GCSE, and now to wish to pursue it an advanced level. Much of your time will be spent engaging in practical content within our Science laboratories, and students are expected to adopt a more independent ownership of their learning at A Level.

Topics studied in the syllabus include:

Chemistry is split into 3 main sections and examples of each of these sections are given

Organic chemistry: This includes all carbon based chemistry including oils

Physical Chemistry: This involves all physical aspects of chemistry and most of the mathematical side of Chemistry such as rates of reaction and Kinetic theory.

Inorganic Chemistry: This involves all the theories regarding structures of atoms and bonding between atoms and ions. and chemical reactions and pathways of carbon based chemicals.

The course might be of interest to:

Those who want to understand more about the world in which we live and find answers to the simple questions we might have about every day processes and materials.

Potential Future Pathways:

If you are considering studying Chemistry or medicine at university then this course would be right for you. However, Chemistry is one of the Russell group universities ‘facilitating’ subjects, meaning choosing it allows a wide range of options for degree study.

You will need to achieve 6 or above in Maths and two Sciences (preferably triple Science).