Chemistry

Chemistry

Why choose A-level chemistry?

• It is an interesting subject requiring and developing a variety of skills
• Your chosen career needs a qualification in chemistry.
• A qualification in chemistry is highly valued and leads to a wide variety of careers. If you are undecided, more options are kept open by studying chemistry.

Why study A-level chemistry at Greenhead?

• This department has a consistent record of excellent results. The average pass rate (grades A to E) for A-level courses over the last few years is in excess of 98% with 65% obtaining grades A and B, compared to the national figures of 90% and 46% respectively.
• Our staff have high expectations of students but also care about their well-being. If you have ability then it will be reflected in your grade.
• The staff are very experienced with proven teaching skills and they are always available to help students resolve difficulties.
• Beacon Award 1997.
• Grade 1 in LSC inspections.
• This is one of the largest Chemistry departments in the country.

Chemistry courses offered at Greenhead
There is a choice of A and AS level courses. There are six units of assessment in each A level and three units of assessment in each AS level.

Course Summaries
There is a choice of two specifications which can be taken to:

• AS level in one year covering 3 units (one of which is coursework based)
• A-level where a further 3 units are covered in a second year of study. (one of which is coursework based)

Both specifications include internally assessed practical work and are of the same standard differing mainly in their approach to the subject.
OCR - A OCR B (Salters)

In the OCR course, the topics covered in the AS year provide a firm foundation in basic chemical principles. The Salters course looks at modern developments and applications of chemistry and introduces the chemical principles when required.

In the A2 year, these are developed further by studying areas such as:

• polymers and proteins
• catalysts
• chemical analysis

The teaching units cover a wide range of areas including:

• developing fuels
• medicines by design
• elements from the sea

A wide range of activities is used including laboratory practical investigations, data analysis, groupwork, analytical analysis and computer work. We have an extensive intranet/Moodle site to support your studies.

What's the difference between OCR-A and Salters?
The OCR - A specification is traditional in terms of content and approach. It is divided into modules in which you develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of Chemistry. Most lessons are teacher-led, involving class discussion, taking notes and working through questions. Practical work is used to illustrate ideas and to learn practical skills and techniques.

The Salters course is designed to show the ways in which Chemistry is used and the work that Chemists do. It is divided into modules, each with a familiar-sounding title such as What's in a Medicine? Developing Fuels, Thread of Life. The lessons involve a range of activities including practical work, group-work, data analysis and problem-solving. In the A2 year you do a practical project which enables you to experience how scientific research is carried out.

You should choose the specification that you think suits you best. To arrive at a decision you should:

• think about how you like to learn
• read about their differences
• ask for further information at open evenings

Each of these specificatons will lead to any career which requires A-level chemistry. Whichever specification you choose to study at Greenhead, you will not be disappointed.

What can I do with A-level chemistry?

Where do Chemists End Up Working?

• Chemical Industry
• Public Services
• Academia and Teaching
• Publishing, Technical Writing
• Patent Law, Intellectual Property Law
• Finance and Investment Analysis

Chemical Industry

• Life Sciences Industry
• Petrochemicals
• Formulations and Household Products
• Polymers
• Bulk Commodities
• Speciality Chemicals

What Do Chemists Do in the Chemical Industry?

• Research and Development
• Process Research
• Analytical Chemistry
• Technical Sales and Marketing

Away From the Bench ..But Not From Chemistry

• Patent Law, Intellectual Property Law
• Investment Analysis
• Scientific Journalism, Technical Writing
• Publishing

What Type of Degree?

• Single Honours Chemistry
• Chemistry with some degree of specialisationin one aspect of Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Chemical Biology
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Materials / NanoScience
  • Computer Science / Informatics

'Chemistry with ...Degrees'

• Business / Management Studies
• Modern Languages (French, German)
• Psychology
• Pharmacology
• Law

(usually 2 parts Chemistry, 1 part 'other')

How Long?

• Basic Honours Degree lasts 3 years (B.Sc.)
• Most Universities offer a 4-year Honours Degree programme culminating in the award of an M.Sci or M.Chem.
• A year in industry or studying abroad has lots of advantages but will increase the length of the degree

Careers Away From Chemistry

• Accountancy
• Finance
• Law
• Sales and Marketing
• Consultancy

A-Levels For University Courses
Where there is no specific A-level requirement for a university course, then chemistry is a very good choice as a numerate central science. Many students who have gone on to study in a variety of areas such as music, law, architecture, accountancy, languages have included chemistry in their advanced studies.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

University SubjectsPossible A-Level Subjects
Chemical Sciences
Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Colour Chemistry, Chemical PhysicsCHEMISTRYisESSENTIAL
Medicine and Dentistry

Pharmacy

Veterinary Science

Biological Sciences
Agriculture, Microbiology, Botany, Soil Science, Horticulture, Zoology, Marine BiologyAS CHEMISTRY is essential

A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY is strongly recommended
Medical Sciences
Bacteriology, Nursing, Environmental Health, Nutrition, Genetics, Physiology

CHEMISTRY is strongly recommended

Material Sciences
Material and Polymer Science, Technology, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering

Engineering
Aeronautical, Electronics, Agricultural, Instrumental, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining

CHEMISTRY
is very useful

Environmental Studies
Archaeology, Geography, Oceanography, Ecology, Safety & Health, Forestry, Surveying

Geological Sciences
Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Geophysics, Mining

Accountancy/Business

A numerate subject such as CHEMISTRY is useful

Architecture

Law

About the department
The department of Chemistry consists of ten teachers assisted by three lab technicians and there are over 550 students over both year groups. There are four specialist laboratories. It is one of three very successful science departments in the college, with results well above the national average.