Science - Chemistry

Curriculum Leader Science: Mr Jonathan Brown

Examination board: IGCSE Oxford AQA 9202

Course Content

This International GCSE Chemistry qualification provides students with a thorough grounding in the principles of chemical sciences. Students will explore a wide range of chemical concepts and develop essential practical skills, data analysis abilities, and critical thinking skills. This course aims to make students scientifically literate and able to apply chemical knowledge in their everyday lives and future studies.

Through this syllabus, students will develop knowledge and understanding of the subject content, the practices of science, and how science as a discipline develops. Students will hone their ability to work as a scientist by learning to observe, question, hypothesise, and conduct various types of scientific enquiry to further scientific knowledge.

The course content is divided into the following key areas:

• Atomic structure and the periodic table: Atoms, elements, compounds, mixtures, and the structure of the periodic table.

• Structure, bonding and the properties of matter: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, as well as the properties of different states of matter.

• Chemical changes: Chemical reactions, acids, bases, and electrolysis.

• Chemical analysis: Pure substances, mixtures, and chromatography.

• Acids, bases and salts: Neutralisation, strong and weak acids, and salt preparation.

• Quantitative chemistry: Moles, reacting masses, and concentration of solutions.

• Energetics: Exothermic and endothermic reactions, and bond energy calculations.

• The rate and extent of chemical change: Factors affecting reaction rates and reversible reactions.

• Organic chemistry: The study of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and polymers.

• Chemistry in the atmosphere: The composition and pollution of the atmosphere.

• Using resources: Finite and renewable resources, and sustainable development.

How will you be assessed?

• Paper 1: Structured, closed short answer, and open response questions.

  • 1 hour 45 minutes

• Paper 2: Structured, closed short answer, and open response questions.

  • 1 hour 45 minutes

Key Skills

The students will learn to:

• Critically analyse data.

• Conduct risk assessments and work safely in a laboratory environment.

• Identify limitations with theories, processes, and data.

• Apply mathematical knowledge and understanding to chemical problems.

• Communicate effectively using scientific vocabulary.

Careers

This qualification is a gateway to careers related to science, including: Medicine, Pharmacology, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Forensics, and many more!