AS/A2 Chemistry

AS / A2 CHEMISTRY

Exam Board: AQA
Chemistry is the study of how and why substances react together and how this can be used to make substances which enhance our lives from chemicals which can help us fight disease to superconducting polymers. It is the central Science discipline, needing both descriptive and analytical skills. For this reason, it is a huge support for students who are taking Biology or Physics. At A2 you will use more calculations so Maths may be a good choice at AS, and is essential if you are considering Chemistry at university.

Chemistry is taught by an experienced examiner, who can point you to what examiners require. There is a strong practical approach and you will learn in a well equipped specialist laboratory. Paston has strong links with the UEA, you will be able to use some of their facilities for project work, and UEA staff visit Paston.

Chemistry is essential for the further study of Chemistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Pharmacy. It is extremely useful to anyone interested in the Biological Sciences. Chemists also find employment in a wide range of careers eg. the Law, Accountancy, Politics and Personnel Management.

A unique and dynamic teaching style combined with an exciting and relevant course.Unmissable! Eleanor Smith taking A2 Chemistry at Paston.

I applied to study Chemistry at York University although I originally intended to study another subject. The teacher has been really helpful in academic issues and in motivating me. His passion for the subject is infectious and makes Chemistry lessons fun. Robert Chappell (studying Chemistry at York University after A-levels at Paston).

I found the teacher really friendly and knowledgeable. It was always easy to ask questions about any aspect of Chemistry even when it was unrelated to the course. It has inspired me to study Chemistry at university. (Laurence Grey, studying Chemistry at Loughborough University after A-levels at Paston).

Although I found Chemistry quite hard, my Chemistry teacher supported me 100% and I gained lots of confidence for the AS Exam. James Gilligan, A2 Chemistry at Paston.

AS Chemistry

In AS Chemistry you will study

Atomic structure, including a fuller understanding of electronic structure

Calculational Chemistry

Structure and bonding how different structures explain the huge variety of properties of common substances such as graphite and common salt

Patterns and trends in the Periodic Table Group 2, a typical group of metals and Group 7, a typical group of non-metals

Organic Chemistry the Chemistry of carbon compounds from alkanes and alkenes to haloalkanes (those with a Group 7 element) and alcohols such as ethanol. We shall explore here why CFCs which are unreactive at ground level present an environmental threat in the upper atmosphere

Chemical reaction rates and chemical equilibria how far and how fast do chemical reactions go?

Oxidation and reduction extraction of metals how the most common metals, iron, aluminium and titanium are extracted and why the method is chosen.

Assessment

Two written examinations and a practical assessment.
Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE, two of which must be Maths, English Language or Science and at least a B grade in Chemistry or in Additional Science.

A2 Chemistry

In A2 Chemistry you build on and develop the skills and understanding gained at AS and study:

How rates of real reactions depend on concentrations of reactants and how this can be used to investigate how reactions occur (their mechanism)
How we can calculate the yields of chemical reactions in equilibrium
The theory of acids, bases and buffers, including calculations of the pH of solutions, how indicators work and the comparison of the strengths of acids
The further study of organic compounds such as acids and bases, benzene Chemistry, and polymers such as polyesters and polyamides used in textiles
The determination of the structure of organic molecules using modern spectroscopic techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance closely linked to MRI in medicine
The fundamental laws of energy changes to explain why some reactions occur and others do not
The Chemistry of the elements sodium to chlorine in Period 3
Chemical cells and their use in explaining oxidation and reduction reactions
The first row of the transition metals from titanium to copper
The reactions of metal ions in solution

Assessment

Two written exams, practical assessments carried out during the year and a written test on an aspect of the practical work.