A Level Chemistry

Aims and Outcomes

This A Level will encourage students to:

• develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject

• develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other

• develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods

• develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills

• understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society

• use theories, models and ideas to develop scientific explanations

• use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas

• use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer scientific questions and solve scientific problems

• carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts

• analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships

• evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence

• know that scientific knowledge and understanding develops over time

• communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology

• consider applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks

• consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the environment

• evaluate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity

• evaluate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision making.

Assessment Objectives : 

Students will take 3 papers for each module. The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

•   AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.

•  AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:

  •  in a theoretical context

  • in a practical context

  • when handling qualitative data

• ·AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:

  • make judgements and reach conclusions

  • develop and refine practical design and procedures

Modules

Module 3.1 - Physical chemistry

The chemical properties of elements depend on their atomic structure and in particular on the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus. The arrangement of electrons in orbitals is linked to the way in which elements are organised in the Periodic Table. Chemists can measure the mass of atoms and molecules to a high degree of accuracy in a mass spectrometer. The principles of operation of a modern mass spectrometer are studied.

Module 3.2 - Inorganic chemistry

The Periodic Table provides chemists with a structured organisation of the known chemical elements from which they can make sense of their physical and chemical properties. The historical development of the Periodic Table and models of atomic structure provide good examples of how scientific ideas and explanations develop over time.

Module 3.3 - Organic chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of the millions of covalent compounds of the element carbon. These structurally diverse compounds vary from naturally occurring petroleum fuels to DNA and the molecules in living systems. Organic compounds also demonstrate human ingenuity in the vast range of synthetic materials created by chemists. Many of these compounds are used as drugs, medicines and plastics.

Organic compounds are named using the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system and the structure or formula of molecules can be represented in various different ways. Organic mechanisms are studied, which enable reactions to be explained. In the search for sustainable chemistry, for safer agrochemicals and for new materials to match the desire for new technology, Chemistry plays the dominant role.

Where can an A Level in Chemistry lead?

• A-Level Chemistry is a challenging subject that requires a strong foundation in basic chemistry concepts. It covers a wide range of topics, including organic and physical chemistry. This can then lead to studying for a Chemistry or related sciences degree at university. These degrees in turn can lead to a range of careers as varied as medicine, dentistry, forensic chemistry, geochemistry, R & D management, pharmacy, chemical engineering, petroleum engineering and perfumery.