A-Levels: Chemistry

Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry plays a part in everything we encounter in our everyday lives, from the colour of the clothes we wear to the sophisticated modern medicines we take when ill. Chemists work on such things as developing new materials that underpin advances in technology and on developing ever more sensitive tests to help in the diagnosis of disease and the detection of crime.

What do I study?
Examples of AS topics are:
-atomic structure
-bonding and intermolecular forces
-mole calculations
-periodic table groups ii and vii
-metal extraction
-organic chemistry
Examples of A2 topics are:
-equilibria
-energetics
-electrode potentials
-transition metal chemistry
-structure determination
-more organic chemistry
Practical work is an important part of the course so you can learn by carrying out experiments.

Where does Chemistry take me?

Studying Chemistry, usually in conjunction with another Science subject and perhaps Maths, can be the first step towards a career in such areas as Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Biochemistry, Ecology, Metallurgy, Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Food Science and Marine Biology. Most of these careers will need completion of a suitable degree course at university.