A2 Chemistry

A2 Chemistry
Level: AS/A2

Awarding Body: OCR (Salters) Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Chemistry (H035)/Advanced GCE in Chemistry ((H435)

Course Content:
Salters A level Chemistry is based on a series of applications through which the scientific principles are taught.

AS Chemistry consists of five units each covering a major application:
- The Elements of Life
- Developing Fuels
- Elements from the Sea
- The Atmosphere
- Polymer Revolution

AS assessment consists of two externally assessed examinations plus a teacher assessed coursework component

A2 Chemistry consists of eight units each covering a major application:

- What's in Medicine
- The Materials Revolution
- The Thread of Life
- The Steel Story
- Agriculture and Industry
- Colour by Design
- The Oceans
- Medicines by Design

A2 assessment consists of two externally examinations and an individual, practically based investigation which is assessed by the teacher.

Teaching Learning Methods:
The course is taught through two books: Salters Chemical Storyline and Salters Chemical Ideas. The Chemical Storyline provides a set of real life contexts and students use the Chemical Ideas book to reinforce their knowledge and application of Chemistry. The course is designed to cover the chemistry in small bite-size topics which are continually reinforced as new units are covered.

Assessment:
Unit 1 F331: Chemistry for Life - 1hr - 30% (AS) - 15% (A2)
Unit 2 F332: Chemistry of Natural Resources - 1hr45 - 50% (AS) - 25% (A2)
Unit 3 F333: Coursework - Coursework - 20%(AS) - 10% (A2)
Unit 4 F334: Chemistry of Materials - 1hr30 - 15%
Unit 5 F335: Chemistry by Design - 2hrs - 20%
Unit 6 F336: Individual Investigation - Coursework - 15%

The unit tests are taken in January and June and the schedule of taking tests is:
Year 12: January Unit 1, June Unit 2 (Unit 3 to be completed internally)
Year 13: June Unit 4 and Unit 5 (Unit 6 to be completed internally)
There will be opportunities throughout both the AS and A2 course to re-sit modules in order bring about an overall improvement in a candidate's grade.
The A2 section of the course is designed to be synoptic and examination papers will set questions on the new, A2 material and previously learnt AS topics

Skills & Commitment:
We have found that successful Chemistry students have a keen and enquiring mind. Numerical skills have to be good and organisation of time is important. Five hours of private study/homework will be required every week. As with most A levels, a high level of commitment, including punctuality will be needed for success. As well as developing a sound knowledge of chemical principles and applications, the course will help improve other, more generic, types of skills that will support in you in Higher Education and beyond.

Cost:
You will need a scientific calculator as well as providing your own paper, files and writing materials. The College will provide laboratory coats, graph paper and textbooks.

You are required to pay public transfer fares for visits outside of the College.