Chemistry
faqs
What are the entry requirements?
You must have a grade 6 or above in Chemistry or grades 6-6 in Combined Science and a grade 6 in Mathematics due to the mathematical demands of Physical Chemistry.
What is the jump from GCSE to A – Level like?
While there is a jump in both the difficulty of the content and the demands of the course, many aspects of A – Level Chemistry build on topics studied at GCSE such as structure and bonding and organic chemistry. You will delve further into areas previously studied, while new topics such as thermodynamics are introduced.
Do I have to have taken triple science?
While not required, if you have studied triple science (rather than combined) you will have covered more aspects that are built upon at A – Level, such as a range of calculations from the quantitative chemistry. Therefore you will have a background knowledge to build upon.
Which exam board do you use?
As at GCSE we use AQA at A – Level, helping to ease the transition and ensuring that students have the required foundation of knowledge.
Do you complete AS exams?
While we do not enter pupils for official AS – Level exams, you will sit an internal assessment based on previous AS – Level exams.
Context:
‘What is the world made of?’ If you want to search for the answer to this big question then ALevel Chemistry is for you. From understanding how pharmaceuticals interact with our bodies, how we affect the environment and how modern materials are made. In this course you will develop essential knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemical concepts, as well as a variety of areas of chemistry, and you will get to grips with how these relate to each other.
Exam Board:
AQA (7405)
Assessment:
A-level
Paper 1: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and relevant practical skills
Paper 2: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and relevant practical skills
Paper 3: Any content and practical skills
All papers last 3 hours
Course details:
Physical Chemistry
Atomic structure
Amount of substance
Bonding
Energetics
Kinetics
Chemical equilibria
Redox reactions
Thermodynamics
Rate equations
Equilibrium constant
Electrode potentials
Acids and bases
Inorganic Chemistry
Periodicity
Group 2 elements
Group 7 elements
Properties of Period 3 elements
Transition metals
Reactions of ions in aqueous solution
Organic Chemistry
Alkanes
Halogenalkanes
Alkenes
Alcohols
Organic Analysis
Optical isomerism
Aldehydes and Ketones
Carboxylic acids
Aromatic Chemistry
Amines
Polymers
Amino acids, proteins and DNA
Organic synthesis
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Spectroscopy
Chromatograph
Other Learning Opportunities:
- Lecture demonstrations at local Universities
- Industry tours
- Supporting KS3/4 students in Science lessons
Where next with this course?
A level Chemistry is often a requirement for degree courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Some courses that find chemistry desirable include food technology, nursing, physiotherapy, radiography, paramedical courses, law and zoology.
A degree in Chemistry could lead to opportunities in chemical industries, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, toiletries, plastics and polymers. However, those who study chemistry could enter many different sectors including the food and drink industry, utilities and research, health and medical organisations, journalism and scientific research organisations and agencies.
One example of how Chemists could improve the environment: A carbon capturing microporous copper silicate material has been created that could offer a cheaper and simpler way of capturing carbon dioxide from the gas flues of fossil fuel power plants.