A Level Chemistry

Subjects Covered AS Subject Content At AS you will study for 3 units: Unit 1: Will cover foundation subjects like atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, periodicity and an introduction to organic chemistry (specifically alkanes). Unit 2: Will work up to topics such as energetics, kinetics, redox, group VII and II of the periodic table, functional groups- haloalkanes, alkenes and alcohols, and the analytical techniques of mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. Unit 3 (practicals): Happens throughout the year and is dedicated to investigative and practical skills. It’s `how science works’. A Level Subject Content Year two is a continuation from AS level and follows a similar format: Unit 4: Looks in more depth at kinetics, equilibria, acid and bases, organic chemistry (carbonyl groups, aromatic chemistry, amines, amino acids) and structure determination. Unit 5: Covers thermodynamics, periodicity, redox, transition metals and reactions of inorganic compounds. Unit 6 (practicals): Like Unit 3 is the practical, hands-on part of the second year. Assessment Pattern In both years the students are required to sit two exams. The practical units will be assessed in class and are graded as a pass/fail. There are core practicals, which will have to be completed over the two years. Resources required Students will be required to purchase a textbook for both AS and A Level. Careers Students with a wide range of interests enjoy the Chemistry course. Chemistry is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, nursing, biochemistry, dentistry or forensic sciences. Chemistry will also equip you for a career in industry, for example in the petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries. Many students progress into Higher Education. Subjects that go well with Chemistry include Physics, Mathematics and Human Biology. Students can study a range of other subjects depending upon what career or higher education course that they wish to do in the future.