AS Level Chemistry

Chemistry (AS and A Level)

CHEMISTRY

AS and A Level (AQA)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple

(14/07/09)

Course overview

The course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of Chemistry. We will ensure that your learning is enjoyable, challenging and relevant to contemporary issues by building on the concepts of How Science Works that are introduced at GCSE.

AS Level (year one)

Unit One: Foundation Chemistry

Particles, composition of the nucleus, isotopes and use of mass spectrometer; calculating the amount of substance; ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and intermolecular forces; the construction of the periodic table; organic chemistry; alkanes from crude oil

Unit Two: Chemistry in Action

Collision theory and effect; definitions of oxidation and reduction; redox properties of halogens and halide ions;

the extraction of metals; haloalkanes and alkenes

Unit Three: Investigative and Practical Skills - Internal Assessment

Making observations and measurements

Analysing and evaluating results

A Level (year two)

Unit Four: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry

Acids and bases; nomenclature and Isomerism in organic chemistry; compounds containing the carbonyl group; amines: base properties and nucleophilic properties; polymers; organic synthesis and analysis

Unit Five: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry

Thermodynamics; Periodicity; reactions of Period 3 elements; redox equilibria; general properties of transition metals.

Unit Six: Investigative and Practical Skills - Internal Assessment

Making observations and measurements; Analysing and evaluating results

How you will learn

Your lessons will involve a mixture of presentations, problem-solving classes, demonstrations, discussions and, of course, practical work. We aim to make your learning interesting, challenging and enjoyable most importantly, however, we want you to succeed in your study of this subject.

All learning materials and many interesting and informative videos and animations are accessible to all students from any computer with an internet connection.

How you will be assessed

Throughout the course you will have regular assessments [approximately monthly] which will give you the opportunity to test your understanding of recent material. These assessments are all at past paper standard and you will be expected to pass them all! This is excellent preparation for the external exams:

Unit 1
1 hour 15 min
33% of AS
16% of A2

Unit 2
1 h 45m
46%
23%

Unit 3

20%
10%

Unit 4
1 h 45m

20%

Unit 5
1 h 45m

20%

Unit 6

10%

Special entry requirements

You will have studied GCSE Science with GCSE Additional Science, ( not applied science) or GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics and preferably achieved grade B.

What the students say

'Teachers prepare you well for the exams'

'Teachers are enthusiastic and always available to give help and advice

'A challenging course'

'Informed and approachable staff

'Clear schemes of work.'