A-Level Chemistry

Sometimes referred to as the 'central science', Chemistry helps to connect physical sciences, like Maths and Physics, with applied sciences, such as Biology, Medicine and Engineering. In fact, Chemistry is all around us and an understanding of the subject can help to answer many simple questions about everyday life!

Chemistry is one of the Russell Group universities' 'facilitating' subjects — so called because choosing them at A-level allows a wide range of options for degree study.

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

Within the AQA specification, topics fall into three main categories: physical Chemistry, inorganic Chemistry and organic Chemistry. Specific areas of study include aspects such as atomic structure, energetics, kinetics, oxidation, alkanes and alkenes, thermodynamics, polymers and amino acids, proteins and DNA.

WHAT SKILLS WILL YOU AQUIRE?

As it is a science subject, the process of learning it helps a student to learn how to be objective, analytical, methodical, process and in turn solve problems. You can apply these skills outside academia, and the study of Chemistry can help understand current events including news about petrol, environmental issues, health and product scares and more.

WHAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ARISE?

There are a wide range of Chemistry-related degrees available, including Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry and Polymer and Materials chemistry.

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The entry requirements for A-Level Chemistry are a grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry or GCSE Combined Science and a grade 6 or higher in GCSE Maths.