Chemistry A Level (Full AS + A2)

Syllabus

The AQA A Level Chemistry specification is structured into three main topics, assessed across three examinations. This course has been designed to reflect this, and will take students through each topic, as listed below:

Topic 1 - Physical Chemistry

• 1.1 – Atomic structure
• 1.2 – Amount of substance
• 1.3 – Bonding
• 1.4 - Energetics
• 1.5 – Kinetics
• 1.6 – Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc ATP
• 1.7 – Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
• 1.8 - Thermodynamics
• 1.9 - Rate equations
• 1.10 - Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
• 1.11 – Electrode potentials and electromechanical cells
• 1.12 – Acids and bases

Topic 2 - Inorganic Chemistry

• 2.1 – Periodicity
• 2.2 – Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
• 2.3 – The Halogens
• 2.4 – Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
• 2.5 – Transition metals
• 2.6 – Reactions of the ions in aqueous solution

Topic 3 - Organic Chemistry

• 3.1 – Introduction to organic chemistry
• 3.2 – Alkanes
• 3.3 – Halogenoalkanes
• 3.4 - Alkenes
• 3.5 – Alcohols
• 3.6 – Organic analysis
• 3.7 – Optical isomerism
• 3.8 – Aldehydes & ketones
• 3.9 – Carboxylic acids and derivatives
• 3.10 – Aromatic chemistry
• 3.11 – Amines
• 3.12 – Polymers
• 3.13 – Amino acids, proteins and DNA
• 3.14 – Organic synthesis
• 3.15 – Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• 3.16 – Chromatography

AQA A Level in Chemistry: *AQA Qualification Code: 7405

In order to attain this qualification you must sit three examinations and six practical assessments. The practicals are not marked, but you will need to be observed by an examination centre to demonstrate competence in the different techniques. The practicals are usually held in Spring of each year, while the written exams are in May/June. Booking exams is the responsibility of the student. Any and all exam fees will be paid by the student directly to their chosen exam centre. Finding an exam centre that will allow private candidates to sit practical exams can be difficult, and students should be prepared to travel. On purchasing the course UKDLP will provide students with a list of recommended exam centres.

Paper 1

Assessment details:

• 35% of A-Level
• 105 marks
• Written exam: 2 hours

What is assessed?:

• Relevant Physical chemistry topics
• Inorganic chemistry
• Relevant practical skilss

Questions:

• 105marks = A mixture of short and long answer questions

Paper 2

Assessment details:

• 35% of A-Level
• 105 marks
• Written exam: 2 hours

What is assessed?:

• Relevant Physical chemistry topics
• Organic Chemistry
• Relevant practical skills

Questions:

• 105 marks = A mixture of short and long answer questions

Paper 3

Assessment details:

• 30% of A-Level
• 90 marks
• Written exam: 2 hours

What is assessed?:

• Any content
• Any practical skills

Questions:

• 40 marks = Questions on practical techniques and data analysis
• 20 marks = Questions testing across the specification
• 30 marks = Multiple choice questions

Practical Assessment

Your A Level grade will be based on your written examinations. However, in order to recieve your A Level you must also undergo a seperate endorsement of 6 practical skills. These are listed below:

• Make up a volumetric solution and carry out a simple acid–base titration
• Measurement of an enthalpy change
• Investigation of how the rate of a reaction changes with temperature
• Carry out simple test-tube reactions to identify:

•cations – Group 2, NH4+
•anions – Group 7 (halide ions), OH–, CO3 2–, SO4 2–

• Distillation of a product from a reaction
• Tests for alcohol, aldehyde, alkene and carboxylic acid

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 300 hrs.