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Why should I choose this subject?
The understanding and application of chemistry is essential in our modern world. Everything you use on a daily basis will have been developed by a chemist. As our modern world develops further, we need to find ways to feed a growing population, cure new diseases and manage the world’s energy resources. Chemistry holds the answers to all these big questions.
Studying GCE Chemistry will allow you to learn about new technologies which are being developed. Throughout the course you will build on your GCSE knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the atom and the properties and analysis of different substances. You will also be developing your practical skills and ability to work with others as you and your peers synthesise and analyse many different substances.
Studying GCE Chemistry requires enthusiasm, commitment and attention to detail – qualities which are invaluable to employers. It is no surprise that an A level in Chemistry opens the doors to many wide and varied career options which are discussed later in this guide.
If you are interested in the world around you, like solving problems and have enjoyed studying Chemistry so far, then read on to find out what an A level in Chemistry can lead to.
How will I be assessed in this subject?
AS 1
External written examination 1 hour 30 minutes Multiple choice and structured questions
40% of AS - 16% of A level
AS 2
External written examination 1 hour 30 minutes Multiple choice and structured questions
40% of AS - 16% of A level
AS 3
Practical booklet A – taken in the laboratory 1 hour 15 minutes
Practical booklet B – taken in the examination hall 1 hour 15 minutes
20% of AS - 8% of A level
A2 1
External written examination
2 hours Multiple choice and structured questions
40% of A2 - 24% of A level
A2 2
External written examination 2 hours Multiple choice and structured questions
40% of A2 - 24% of A level
A2 3
Practical booklet A – taken in the laboratory 1 hour 15 minutes
Practical booklet B – taken in the examination hall 1 hour 15 minutes
20% of A2 - 12% of A level
What will I study?
AS Areas of Study
AS 1:
AS 1:
Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
AS 2:
AS 2:
Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and an Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and an Introduction to Organic Chemistry
AS 3:
AS 3:
Basic Practical Chemistry
Basic Practical Chemistry
A2 Areas of Study
A2 1:
A2 1:
Further Physical and Organic Chemistry
Further Physical and Organic Chemistry
A2 2:
A2 2:
Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
A2 3:
A2 3:
Further Practical Chemistry
Further Practical Chemistry
What career pathways are available to me if I study this subject?
A GCE qualification in Chemistry will allow you to develop many important skills – for example analytical skills, working in a team and problem solving. You will be recognised as someone who has worked with determination to achieve the qualification. Chemistry opens doors to many varied careers; this is because the subject requires such a broad skill set. There are many websites which will highlight the career options. The following, from the Royal Society of Chemistry, is particularly good:
www.rsc.org/careers/future/what-jobs-can-i-do
We are also very fortunate in Northern Ireland to have excellent higher education options.
For example:
www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering
The Regional Colleges A GCE in Chemistry will give you many options for either pursuing the subject further or for studying in an area which is related to Chemistry. Many of the careers are laboratory-based but there are also a large number which are not. The following website gives good advice about careers in Chemistry:
www.futuremorph.org/14-16/next-steps/follow-yourfavourite-subject/careers-from-chemistry
Finally, one of the biggest industries which Chemistry can lead to is chemical engineering. The following website is very useful for finding out more about chemical engineering:
Extra Curricular
If you choose A-Level Chemistry, you may have the opportunity to take part in the following activities;
NI Science Festival activities
Chemistry at Work workshop at Queen's University Belfast
Tyndall Physics Lecture at Queens
STEM bus - Forensic Science
STEM bus - Biology workshop
CREST awards
Experiments
Field Trips
Student Testimonials
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