Chemistry

What will I study?   

First year: You will study the three main branches of chemistry: Physical Chemistry which deals with the principles behind chemical change, Inorganic Chemistry which involves studying the structure and bonding of elements in the periodic table, and Organic Chemistry which is about the chemistry of carbon (two million carbon compounds are known!). 

You will carry out a series of practicals designed to illustrate what you are learning in theory lessons as well as teach you laboratory skills.

Second year: Some new aspects are introduced and many of the others are extended. You will be introduced to the concept of chemical synthesis and progress to learn more advanced practical and laboratory skills.

How will I be assessed?  

You will be assessed internally throughout both years through the end of unit tests. At the end of the second year you will sit external exams on content you have learnt over the entire two year course. There will be two 105 minute exams and one 150 minute exam. The grade of your A level will be determined by the result of these exams. The practical endorsement is a separate pass/fail grade and is judged by continuous assessment.

Where might it lead?

A Level Chemistry leads to a very wide range of careers in Science, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry and many other fields. A Level Chemists are in very high demand! Recently, several students have gone on to study Medicine, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Russell Group universities.