Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Chemistry and a Grade 6 or higher in either in GCSE Biology or GCSE Physics OR two Grade 6s in GCSE Combined Science. Grade 6 or above in Maths.

Exam Board: AQA

Why Study Chemistry?

• Chemistry will appeal to students who are creative problem solvers. You will build up a range of skills, such as communication, information retrieval, problem solving, numeracy, literacy and ICT. You will need to work effectively both as an individual and as a part of a group, developing independence, team participation and leadership skills.

• The skills and attributes that are developed in the study of Chemistry are essential in scientific and numerous other non-scientific disciplines. As a result, many notable individuals outside scientific fields have studied Chemistry to a degree level. Examples include actor Dolph Lundgren – a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering; and Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who used her training as a chemist to approach politics “with the mindset of a scientist”.

Former students articulate their reason for studying Chemistry:

“I have always enjoyed Chemistry and so it was a natural choice for A Level. It goes well with the Maths and Biology that I am also studying and I have found that my Chemistry compliments what I am learning in Biology.”

“I am very enthusiastic about Chemistry, and find it complex, yet fascinating. Working in a laboratory was an exciting prospect, as I thrive on learning through experiments and enjoy the unpredictability of results and what is going to happen.”

What Topics Will I Study?

There are three strands of Chemistry in this two-year A-Level course: Physical, Inorganic, and Organic.

Physical:

Atomic structure, Amount of substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Chemical equilibria and Redox are studied in Year 12. Thermodynamics, Rate equations, Equilibrium constants, Electrochemistry, and Acid-Base equilibria are studied in Year 13.

Inorganic:

Periodicity, Group 2 metals and Group 7 halogens are topics studied in Year 12. Transition metals and Reactions of complex ions in aqueous solution are studied in Year 13.

Organic:

Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Organic analysis are studied in Year 12. Optical isomerism, Carbonyl compounds, Polymerisation reactions, Aromatic chemistry, Amines, Organic synthesis and Spectroscopic analysis are studied in Year 13.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Paper 1 – Inorganic Chemistry, relevant Physical Chemistry and practical skills. Two hours, 35 percent of A Level.

Paper 2 – Organic Chemistry, relevant Physical Chemistry and practical skills. Two hours, 35 percent of A Level.

Paper 3 – Assesses the breadth of all content and practical skills. Two hours, 30 percent of A Level. (Includes multiple choice.)

The A Level course also has a pass/fail practical competency component.

An Example/Illustration of the Type of Work Involved

You will: use theories, models and ideas to develop and modify scientific explanations; use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems and present scientific arguments; develop an understanding of the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge. 

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

Careers include: pharmaceutical chemistry, medicine, forensic science and toxicology, pharmacology, sport science, chemical engineering, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, environmental science, pharmacy and dentistry. (N.B. Chemistry A Level is essential if you have an interest in pursuing a degree in medicine.) 

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying This Course

Trips to various higher education laboratories, such as Oxford University, for the use of analytical chemistry instruments.