A level chemistry

What will I study?

Why is mercury a liquid at room temperature? Can we do anything about global warming? How and why will I be affected if we run out of oil? Chemistry tends to focus on the materials which make up our world, both living and non-living. We study their properties and interactions and try to explain patterns of behaviour. Whether it is developing specific drugs to target disease, finding better ways to use the resources we have or developing new materials with enhanced properties, Chemistry is everywhere.

Course Content

The content of the course combines theory with practical experience. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, applying a variety of strategies to help all students. We encourage imaginative, critical and logical thinking for problem solving and for interpreting and answering text-based questions. Practical work enables you to consolidate the concepts introduced in the theory lessons. It also familiarises them with the experimental procedures and skills that are internally assessed over the two years of AS and A2 study, as well as equipping you with the skills required to study Chemistry at a higher level.

Assessment

Paper 1

written exam : 2 hours

35% of A-Level

105 marks: short and long answer questions

Paper 2

written exam : 2 hours

35% of A-Level

105 marks: short and long answer questions

Paper 3

written exam : 2 hours

30% of A-Level of which

90 marks split into:

40 marks: questions on practical techniques and data analysis

30 marks: questions testing across the specification

30 marks: multiple choice questions

Progression

A qualification in Chemistry is highly valued and leads to a wide variety of careers. If you are undecided, many options are kept open by studying Chemistry. If you want to study Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Veterinary Science, you will need A Level Chemistry. However, an understanding of Chemistry is necessary to all other Sciences and universities greatly value A Level Chemistry as a qualification.