Chemistry

A Level Chemistry

About A Level Chemistry

Entry requirements: Minimum Grade 6 in Combined Science or a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry for separate scientists. We would also highly recommend a grade 6 in Mathematics as much of the content at A Level requires the use of higher tier and complex mathematical skills.

To be successful in Chemistry at this level, students embarking on this course should have a real interest in the subject. They will have to commit a substantial amount of time to homework and learning. Practical work is an integral part of the course and students will need to demonstrate that they are competent in a wide range of practical skills over the two-year course to be awarded the practical competence part of the A Level.  We would encourage students choosing A Level Chemistry to do so in conjunction with A Level Biology, Mathematics or Physics. 

Course content:

Chemistry is the study of atoms and molecules, both naturally occurring and synthetic. It is rooted in the understanding of chemical and physical phenomena observed during chemical reactions.

At A Level the topics studied include atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, in depth organic chemistry, the rate and extent of chemical reactions, thermodynamics, acids and bases, structure determination and the detailed study of the properties and chemistry of a wide variety of elements and compounds.

The course will be delivered by two specialist teachers who will between them teach eleven periods per fortnight.

Assessment:

There will be three written examinations:

 

Paper 1 - Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and some practical skills. 2 hour written examination.

   105 marks = 35% of A Level.

Paper 2 - Further Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and some practical skills. 2 hour written examination.

             105 marks = 35% of A Level.

Paper 3 - Synoptic (any topics can be tested). 2 hour written examination.  Written questions based on any aspect of the practical work covered. This exam also includes 30 multiple choice questions based on any course content. 

            90 marks = 30% of A Level

Features of the Course:

Students are expected to complete the extensive transition work before starting in Year 12 to ensure that no matter what their educational background, they are prepared for the demands of the course.

Lessons are delivered in specialised laboratories. The course is sequenced to allow topics to be re-visited and further developed as the course progresses. Practical work underpins much of the understanding and course content.

Students are also encouraged to develop their ICT proficiency in a variety of ways, for example, making presentations of their research, becoming proficient using Microsoft Excel and using data logging equipment.

It is also an expectation in the course that students develop their independent learning skills. If available, students will be given the opportunity to attend external Royal Society of Chemistry lectures and take part in the chemistry Olympiad and the Cambridge lower sixth challenge.

Higher Education and Careers: 

A Level Chemistry is an acceptable qualification for virtually all degree courses and shows a commitment to learning and application of understanding that is second to none. Chemistry is often called ‘The Central Science’ because of its role connecting the physical sciences with the life sciences and applied sciences. Chemistry can often be required as an A-Level for degree courses that may not seem to be chemistry centred.

The British chemical industry is the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector and the UK’s number one export earner. Consequently, there are a very wide range of opportunities for graduates of chemistry.

 

Industries relying directly on the technical training of Chemists	Careers in science relying on the general scientific training of Chemists	Careers related to the numeracy, analytical and problem solving skills of chemistry graduates
Pharmaceutical	Forensic Science	Accountancy
Agrochemical	Medicine	Investment Banking
Biotechnology	Nuclear Fuels	Law
Perfumes and Cosmetics	Scientific Civil Service	Marketing
Textiles and Dyes	Health and Safety	Information Technology
Paints	Environmental Protection	Management Consultancy
Petrochemicals	Scientific Journalism	Actuarial/Insurance
Nanotechnology	Scientific Publishing	Personnel
Metallurgy	Teaching	Sales
Polymers (Plastics)	Patent Law
Materials Science
Semi-conductors
Photographic
Biomaterials