Chemistry
Course Overview
A Level Chemistry is a rigorous, challenging and ultimately rewarding course that develops students' scientific skills and knowledge, built upon the knowledge gained at GCSE level.
The course is broken down into Inorganic, Physical and Organic Chemistry. In Year 12 the foundations of each of these sections are taught and then they are developed in Year 13.
Entry Requirements
To study Chemistry at A Level students must have achieved a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or grade 6-6 in GCSE Trilogy Science. There is a significant amount of mathematical content in the course so students should have also achieved a minimum of grade 7 in Mathematics at GCSE.
A Level Topics and Assessment
- Thermodynamics
- Rate equations
- Equilibrium constant, Kc
- Electrode potentials
- Acids and bases
- Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
- Transition metals and their ions
- Optical isomerism
- Aldehydes and ketones
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic chemistry
- Amines
- Polymers
- Amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Organic synthesis
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
|
AQA Exam |
Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Length |
Written Exam: 2 Hours |
Written Exam: 2 Hours |
Written Exam: 2 Hours |
|
Weighting |
105 marks in total 35% of A Level |
105 marks in total 35% of A Level |
90 marks in total 30% of A Level |
Beyond the Classroom and Future Prospects
During the summer of Year 12, A Level Chemistry students have the opportunity to take part in the Nuffield Research Placement in a University or centre of scientific research. A Level Chemistry is essential for degrees in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry and can open up a range of careers and higher education courses in optometry, physiotherapy, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, biomedical and biological sciences, environmental health and food sciences. A Level Chemistry can also help gain direct entry into employment, especially into the scientific and related sectors, with the transferable skills of problem solving and analysis.
Student Experience
I really enjoyed A Level Chemistry because it allowed me to develop my practical skills whilst exploring the science behind every day life.