AS/A2 Chemistry

AS / A2 Chemistry

WHY TAKE CHEMISTRY?
Touch anything in life and you will be touching Chemistry. From microscopic organisms to distant galaxies; from medical discoveries to volcanic eruptions, Chemistry is central to our understanding of the universe. Chemistry is the only science which is compulsory for medicine. Chemistry allows access to essential jobs and other courses, such as university courses including environmental, forensic, food and textiles sciences, pharmacy, chemical engineering and biochemistry.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
The AS course consists of Foundation chemistry, Chemistry in action and Investigative and practical skills. The A2 course consists of Kinetics, equilibria and organic chemistry, Energetics, redox and inorganic chemistry and Investigative and practical skills.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
In addition to chemical knowledge, the course also provides opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, IT and application of number skills. The course involves conducting experiments, analysing the results and writing reports that relate to your theory lessons which will include discussions and problem solving, as well as traditional teaching.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You will sit one written paper in January and one written paper in June of each year. Your practical skills will be assessed as part of ongoing class practical work followed by a minimum of one coursework exam each year.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Students studying Chemistry have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including residential courses to assist career choices in medicine, forensics, chemistry and veterinary science and to represent the College in the Young Analyst of the Year competition. For those students who wish to take Chemistry further, there is the opportunity to take part in the National Chemistry Olympiad.