Chemistry

Introduction to A level Chemistry video

AQA

Why does ice float on water? Why is copper sulphate blue? How does soap break down bacteria? If you want to be able to explain phenomena like this, and learn more about the captivating and varied world of the elements, then chemistry is the course for you. 

SUBJECT COMBINATION AND PROGRESSION

Students with a wide range of interests enjoy studying chemistry. Chemistry is the solid platform upon which careers are built, whether that be a career in health and clinical professions such as medicine, nursing, biochemistry, dentistry or forensic science or a career in industry including petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries. It also demonstrates skills in numeracy and problem solving for pupils who will not be continuing with science and these are looked on favourably by top universities and employers because they show a breadth in ability. Practical work is embedded throughout the course and there are 6 assessed practicals each year which students must undertake to achieve the practical endorsement from the examining body.

COURSE OVERVIEW

AS Level

Paper 1

1.Physical chemistry: Atomic structure, Amount of substance, Bonding, Energetics, Chemical equilibria, Oxidation & Reduction

2. Inorganic chemistry: Periodicity, Group 2, Group 7

3. Relevant practical skills

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks

50% of the AS Level

Questions

65 marks of short and long answer questions

15 marks of multiple choice questions

Paper 2

1. Physical chemistry: Amount of substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Chemical equilibria

2. Organic chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry, Alkanes, Halogen alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Organic analysis

3. Relevant practical skills

Written exam: 1 hr 30 minutes

80 marks

50% AS level

Questions

65 marks of short and long answer questions

15 marks of multiple choice questions

A level

Paper 1

1.Physical chemistry: ALL paper 1 AS topics and thermodynamics, equilibrium constant Kp, electrode potentials, acids and bases

2. Inorganic chemistry: ALL paper 1 AS topics and period 3 elements and oxides, transition metals,

3. Relevant practical skills

Written exam: 2 hours

105 marks

35% of A level

Questions

105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 2

1. Physical chemistry: ALL paper 2 AS topics and rate equations

2. Organic chemistry: ALL paper 2 AS topics,  Optical isomerism, Aldehydes & ketones, Carboxylic acids & derivatives, Aromatic chemistry, Amines, Polymers, Amino acids, proteins and DNA, Organic synthesis, NMR, Chromatography

3. Relevant practical skills

Written exam: 2 hours

105 marks

35% of A level

Questions

105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 3

Any content

Any practical skills

Written exam: 2 hours

90 marks

30% of A level

Questions

40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis

20 marks of questions testing across the specification

30 marks of multiple choice questions

If you have a strong grounding in maths, a methodical approach and an enquiring mind, then you will enjoy studying A level chemistry. The course is suitable for students who have achieved a grade 6 in IGCSE Chemistry (or a grade 7 in GCSE Trilogy sciences) and a grade 6 in GCSE Maths.

 Marc Perry - Curriculum Leader, Science