Chemistry A Level

Chemistry

What is this course about?
This course will foster your imaginative and critical thinking about chemical problems. There is an emphasis on 'how science works', scientific innovations and how science has brought solutions to problems in modern life. Chemistry is about electrons 'how they are organised in atoms, how they bond atoms together, hold molecules together and produce 3D shapes, and, of course, how they are rearranged in chemical reactions.

The course is suitable for students who are interested in the importance of science in modern society, and enjoy practical work.

What topics will I study?
The topics at AS include:

Basics of atomic structure and bonding.

Organic chemistry: alkanes, alkenes, haloalkanes and alcohols.

Energetics, equilibria, redox reactions, halogens and metals.

Fossil fuel combustion and global warming, alternative energy sources, biodiesel, fuel cells.

Polymers and plastics, their environmental impact, recycling.

How pharmaceutical improve human life, benefits and risks of medicines.

Contributions of chemistry to everyday life; ozone, CFCs and alternatives.

The A2 course develops these and other ideas to a higher level:

Kinetics, acids and bases.

Organic chemistry: isomers, carbonyl compounds, aromatic chemistry.

Amines, amino acids, polymers and organic synthesis and analysis.

How to determine the structure of compounds; mass spectrometry and other techniques.

Thermodynamics, periodicity, transition metals, ionic reactions.

How will my work be assessed?
There are two modular exams at both AS and A2 level, worth 80% of the marks.

The remaining 20% is based on investigative and practical skills.

Frequently asked questions

What knowledge do I need to succeed?
You need to be fully confident with all chemistry topics covered at GCSE.

What skills will I need to develop to succeed?
A good memory for facts, an organised approach to problem solving, careful and accurate practical skills, a willingness to work hard. You also need to be confident with the mathematical calculations involved.

What are the lessons like?
You will experience a range of teaching styles, including whole class teaching, group work and independent study tasks. The course will enable you to develop critical thinking through problem solving. Through experimental work and interpretation of your results, you will understand the unifying ideas in chemistry. You will develop your ability to communicate through discussion, writing, summarising, using formulae, graphs and calculations. You will use models to help you understand reactions at a molecular level. Through background reading and wider research, you will develop an appreciation of the social, environmental, economic and technological importance of chemistry.

What have I got to do to do well?
Make sure you understand all that is covered in lessons and consolidate this by completing homework tasks and preparing thoroughly for tests and exams.

What students say about this course
"I really enjoy chemistry because in my high school we did hardly any experiments and now we do them most lessons"

"It is quite difficult; some stuff is hard to get your head around. But if you don't understand, you can ask and you will always get help".

"Lots of practicals which make it interesting. It isn't boring but it is hard work. Lessons are enjoyable".

"It's fun but harder than GCSE. You get to play with more harsh chemicals. You need a good memory to learn lots of formulae!"

What do people do with A level Chemistry?
This is a valuable qualification for progression to a range of degree courses. It is an essential qualification for progression into Medicine, Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy. It is also an advantage to have studied chemistry if you intend to study any area of biological or geological science. In the past, chemistry students have gone on to study degrees as diverse as Law, Geography and Sports Science. About one third of chemistry graduates work in finance, sales, marketing, management services and computing.

Will there be any significant costs related to this subject apart from normal stationery?
Chemistry Review magazine (optional) £15 each year

Trip to London - museums/lectures (optional) £25 each year

Lab coat £12