AS and A Level Chemistry

AS and A Level Chemistry
Salters AS and A Level Chemistry is a course set in context, using a variety of stories based on how chemistry is used in the world. These range from looking at the global issues associated with the use of finite fossil fuel resources through to the challenges set in restoring a magnificent piece of art. The stories are combined with study of the chemical principles that are needed to make sense of them and these principles are revisited and reinforced throughout the course, each time taking your knowledge and understanding a step further.

What does the course consist of?
The course is divided into units. In year 1 you will study units 1, 2 and 3 at AS Level. In year 2 you will take units 4, 5 and 6 to complete the full A Level.
Unit 1: Chemistry for Life

• Elements of Life
• Developing Fuels

This unit is a study of elements and compounds in the universe, the solar system and the human body. It also looks at fuels and the contribution that chemists make to the development of better fuels.
You will be assessed by a written examination

Unit 2: Chemistry of Natural Resources

• Elements from the Sea
• The Atmosphere
• Polymer Revolution

This unit covers the extraction of minerals in the sea together and explores the important chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere taking your knowledge of the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect to a higher level. It concludes with a detailed study of polymers.
It is assessed externally by a written exam

Unit 3: Chemistry in Practice

This unit covers the development and assessment of the key practical skills required for lab work:

• Competence
• Measurement
• Analysis and evaluation
• Observation
• Interpretation

These skills are teacher assessed and externally moderated throughout the course.

Unit 4: Chemistry of Materials

• What's in a Medicine?
• The Materials Revolution
• The Thread of life
• The Steel Story

This unit looks at medicines, their development, chemistry and synthesis whilst illustrating features of the pharmaceutical industry. It explores modern materials, the study of proteins, enzymes and DNA and concludes with a detailed account of the production, properties and uses of steel.
It is assessed externally by a written exam

Unit 5: Chemistry by Design

• Agriculture and Industry
• Colour by Design
• The Oceans
• Medicines by Design

This unit explores how chemists use industrial processes to benefit mankind and how they contribute towards a safe and efficient food chain. It leads on to a study of colour in pigments and dyes, followed by a detailed look at the role of oceans in cycling the chemicals and the importance of the oceans to life on Earth. It concludes with an account of the way chemical principles and techniques are used to investigate the effect of chemicals on the body.
It is assessed externally by a written exam

Unit 6: Chemical Individual Investigation

Students carry out a single individual investigation which involves a large proportion of practical work. It is assessed in eight skill areas:

• Chemical Ideas
• Methods
• Communication
• Observations and Measurements
• Analysis and Interpretation
• Evaluation
• Manipulation
• Demand

The quality of written communication is also assessed in this unit.
It is teacher assessed and externally moderated.

What else do I need to know?
You will pick up new laboratory skills, in purpose-built labs that are well equipped, and you will be taught to handle complex apparatus and hazardous chemicals safely. Every student is provided with a pair of safety specs and you are expected to buy or hire your own lab coat.
Almost any subject can be taken alongside Chemistry. For example, students have studied other Science subjects and Mathematics, as well as History, English, Modern Languages, Classical Civilisation or Business.
Following higher education, A Level Chemistry can lead to careers in medicine, pharmacology, dentistry, veterinary science, biochemistry, biomedical science and engineering. Graduate chemists are also employed by software companies and accountants.