A/AS Chemistry

A/AS Chemistry

What is Chemistry?
If you have ever wondered about the answers to any of the following questions, then you have been thinking about some of the problems that chemists solve. You will be able to answer these questions yourself when you have completed the course.

AS Level:

• Why do manufacturers change the petrol mixture four times a year?
• How can dissolving plastics be manufactured?
• What happens to the chemicals in a film when light falls on it?
• Why is the ozone layer being depleted?

A Level:

• Why is the material used for bullet proof vests so strong?
• How are proteins formed in the body?
• Why are some dyes colourfast but others fade when washed?
• How are old paintings renovated?

Chemistry investigates the properties and structure of a whole range of different substances and is also concerned with chemical reactions in which new substances are produced.

Is Chemistry suitable for me?
Current students have particularly enjoyed the variety of different activities especially practical work, group work and making models. The Starter Pack and the work covered in the first term help ease the transition from GCSE and they have found the resources available to them most useful.

How will I learn?
The course is based on a number of different topics with titles such as-Developing Fuels, -What's in a Medicine?, -The Polymer Revolution , -Colour by Design ,-The Oceans .You will have two books, one which contains the background story to the topic and recent chemical and technological developments, and one which contains chemical theory and the chemical principles involved.In class you will carry out a variety of activities which include practical sessions (for which you must wear a lab coat and safety glasses supplied by the college), group discussions, solving problems, analysing data, making models to help you understand molecular structure and interpreting scientific information.

You will be expected to do at least 4 to 5 hours study time per week outside lessons. There is a Science Work Area where students can borrow the resources used in class for further study. The resources are also available on the College network. Each topic takes approximately one month and you will have a test at the end of each. You will need to be very organised in your approach to work and you will be helped to take responsibility for your own learning as the courseprogresses.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework:

Year 1: 20%

Year 2: 30%.

The AS coursework will consist of a number of different activities. You will be assessed in 5 experimental and investigative skills -competence, measurement, analysis and evaluation, observation and interpretation.

Paper 1 - 1 hr: 30% of AS

Paper 2 - 1¾ hrs: 50% of AS

A2 coursework consists of a practical investigation into a subject of your choice. You will be given plenty of help with this. You will spend four weeks on practical work and then write a report. Students have studied a wide range of topics such as:

What is the best method for determining vitamin C content of fruit and vegetables?

What is the most accurate way to find the concentration of salt in sea water?

What are the best conditions for producing pure aspirin?

How much sulphur dioxide is there in wine?

There are 2 written examinations which consist of structured questions.

Paper 1 - 1½ hrs: 30% of A2

Paper 2 - 2 hrs: 40% of A2

Progression
Past students have gone on to a wide range of courses and careers. Chemistry is an essential subject for Higher Education in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, FoodScience, Veterinary Science and for some Biology courses. Lee came to AltonCollege with ten GCSEs including Chemistry. He took A levels in Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths and AS Spanish. He is now studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge. Danielle came with 10 GCSEs including Double Science. She took A levels in Chemistry, Psychology, Art and AS Biology. She is now studying Forensic Science at Kent.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate).

Any further costs are outlined below:

Optional: £13 for magazine subscription, £10 for photocopying, £18 for trips, £15 for additional books.

Essential: £45 textbooks

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: OCR: H035 H435: Specification

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