A level Chemistry

Chemistry


Why should I Chemistry?
Chemistry is a rewarding, enjoyable and challenging subject that is highly regarded by both universities and employers. The majority of the work extends ideas already encountered at GCSE; this added depth of knowledge increases the understanding of chemistry. Once these ideas have been developed applications are considered; in fact the specification has been developed in consultation with the Royal Society of Chemistry and GlaxoSmithKline. The importance of chemistry in everyday modern life covers everything from new medicines to clothing, from materials used in communications to food analysis and forensic testing. The course includes a great deal of interesting practical work.

What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1:
Atoms, Bonds and Groups

• Atoms and Reactions
• Electrons, Bonding and Structure
• The Periodic Table

Unit 2:
Chains, Energy and Resources

• Basic Concepts and Hydrocarbons
• Resources
• Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Analysis
• Energy

Unit 3:
Practical Skills in Chemistry 1

• AS internal assessment

A2 Units
Unit 1:
Rings, Polymers and Analysis

• Rings, Acids and Amines
• Polymers and Synthesis
• Analysis

Unit 2:
Equilibrium, Energetics and Elements

• Rates, Equilibrium and pH
• Energy
• Transition Elements

Unit 3:
Practical Skills in Chemistry 2

• A2 internal assessment

What skills do I need?
Experimental work and the spirit of discovery are integral elements of the course.

• Have an enthusiasm for science and the influence it has on your life in the modern world.
• You will need to develop the ability to communicate well and have some degree in confidence with manipulation of formulae.

How will I be taught?
These vary and include the use of practical work, demonstrations, a large amount of group work, use of the Internet, laptop computers and data loggers in the laboratories, and work books. Two experienced teachers teach each class and extra help is always at hand should it be needed.

How is the course assessed?
For assessment purposes, knowledge and understanding of key concepts are treated separately at AS, important links between different areas of chemistry are largely assessed synoptically at A2

Two units at AS and A2 Level are assessed through written examination. One unit at AS and A2 Level, the practical skills units, are assessed through internal assessment using externally set tasks.

What will this course prepare me for?
If you study chemistry you could progress to university following a wide variety of courses including architecture, biology, chemistry, computing, electronics, genetics, law, mathematics, medicine, ophthalmic, pharmacy, physics, textiles and veterinary assistants, etc

Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?
Not applicable