A level Chemstry

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

The specification for Chemistry builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills set out in the National Curriculum Key Stage 4 programme of study for Double Science and assumes at least a grade B at GCSE. It must be recognised that the better the GCSE results of a candidate, the better the A-level grades are likely to be.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

Chemists come in all shapes and sizes, and all the skills required for success in the exams will be developed during the course. Many students find the sums of Chemistry at GCSE the toughest part of the course. The maths involved in the A-level Chemistry is proportionally more demanding, but if a student coped with GCSE, they will manage with the A-level.  Important things we ask of students are that have a genuine interest in the stuff that makes up the stars and the Earth and our environment, our possessions and ourselves and what makes them behave the way they do, that they have a commitment to intellectual rigour and hard work and an aptitude for practical things.

What will I learn on the AS-level course?

Module 1

Atomic Structure Amount of Substance Bonding

Energetics Periodicity

Module 2

Kinetics Equilibria Redox Reactions

Group VII, The halogens Extraction of Metal

Module 3

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Centre-Assessment Coursework

 

What will I learn on the A2-level course?

Module 4

Kinetics Equilibria Acids & Bases Nomenclature and Isomerism in Organic Chemistry Compounds containing Carbonyl groups

Aromatic Chemistry Amines Amino Acids Polymers Organic Synthesis & Analysis Structural Determination

Module 5

Thermodynamics Periodicity Redox Equilibria Transition Metals

Reactions of Inorganic Compounds in Aqueous Solution

Module 6

Synoptic Assessment

Centre-Assessment Coursework

The practical work required by the course builds upon the skills that were started at GCSE. It involves quantitative and qualitative analysis to be done by students but appreciation of accuracy and amounts, precision, error analysis and safety are much more sophisticated than previously encountered.

Where might this subject take me?

Clearly to study Chemistry at university, A-level Chemistry will be a requirement. So central is the role of Chemistry to living systems that A-level Chemistry is a prerequisite A-level for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Chemistry is generally a prerequisite for the study of Biology at university and may be desirable for the study of Physiotherapy and Geology. It is also a requirement for Chemical Engineering which provides the petrochemicals, metals, ceramics, plastics and drugs  that are essential components of our modern society.

An A-level in Chemistry may also be used to give added breadth to applications in fields as diverse as Law, Business and Finance, Languages, Architecture and the Media.