Chemistry AS / A Level

CHEMISTRY AS / A LEVEL
The Salters course is a revolutionary course which is designed to encourage study skills, develop practical ability and to capture the imagination. It is structured to enhance the understanding of science, while highlighting its application to topical issues.

It overlaps and complements a wide range of other subjects including: Biology, Physics, Geology, Business Studies and Art.

The Salters course is designed to ease the transition from GCSE to Advanced studies and has proved to be a popular choice for those who enjoy science. The course is supported by two textbooks, specifically written for students studying this course

AS - Year 1
The AS qualification involves studying 5 topical issues which are assessed by two module exam papers (unit 1 & 2). The third component involves coursework assessment worth 20% of the final grade(unit 3)

Unit 1 (30%)

• Elements of Life
  
• Developing Fuels
  

Unit 2 (50%)

• Elements from the Sea
  
• The Atmosphere
  
• The Polymer Revolution
  

Unit 3 (20%)

• Course work:
  
• Experimental skill assessment
  

A2 - Year 2
The second year of the course is built around an additional 8 topical issues which are assessed by two module exam papers (unit 4 & 5). The importance of key industrial processes is also explored. The coursework component consists of an Individual Investigation (worth 15% of the overall grades)

Unit 4

• What's in a Medicine?
  
• Materials Revolution
  
• The Tread of Life
  
• The Steel story
  

Unit 5

• Agriculture and Industry
  
• Colour by Design
  
• The Oceans
  
• Medicines by Design
  

Unit 6

• Course work
  
• An Individual Investigation
  

What skills will I need and be developing during this course?
By following this course you will gain a sound understanding of science and will participate in practical activities and group work. It is therefore essential that you enjoy practical work, work well in group activities and are prepared to participate in class assignments ranging from group presentations to model building.

The Salters course is an academically challenging course which is well structured and offers a wide range of teaching methods. You will have to develop your use of scientific language, write experimental reports, develop your numeracy skills and should be prepared to work independently on coursework to meet deadlines

How is the Course assessed?
Assessment of the course is via modular exams, taken in the form of structured questions requiring brief written answers. These exams are taken over a period of one (AS) or two (A2) years in Jan and June.

Practical skill assessment in the first year will be built into the experimental activities, while the extended Individual Investigation in the second year will involve 18 hours of practical work and a report.

What career opportunities are there?
If you are interested in following a career linked to the medical profession or veterinary science you will find this course rewarding and a necessary qualification for entry onto a University course.

It is also recognised as a good qualification for entry into all higher education courses and is especially good if you wish to study chemical engineering or something linked to the pharmaceutical industry

...what else?
Salters Advanced Chemistry aims to provide a stimulating and worthwhile course.

It provides ample opportunities to develop all the key skills now recognised as being essential for future development: namely IT, Numeracy and Communication.

Entry Requirement
The minimum entrance requirement for this course is CC in modular science or equivalent but higher grades are preferred to ensure good progress and to help with the transition from GCSE to Advanced level
Pass grade (C or above) in GCSE Mathematics and English Language
You should enjoy practical activities and enjoy working as part of a small team in group assignments
The course moves very fast, so a keen enthusiasm to learn is very important
What and how will I be studying?
The course is split into 13 units all designed to investigate topical issues such as the environment (global warming, acid rain, ozone depletion), industrial processes, biological processes (DNA replication, catalytic behavior) as well as making and testing modern pharmaceuticals. It also explores how the car engine works and different polymers such as slime and nylon.