Chemistry

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of substances, what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things. Chemistry is a highly valued and necessary qualification, required by universities when applying to study degrees in Chemistry, Medicine, Veterinary medicine, Pharmaceuticals and Dentistry.

What will I study?

The first year of the A level course will cover Organic Chemistry, including alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, haloalkanes and organic synthesis reactions, the Inorganic/Physical Chemistry including moles, bonding and structure, redox reactions, energy changes, reversible reactions and equilibria. In the second year you will develop a deeper knowledge and understanding and prepare for the external examinations. The course also includes a non-exam assessment practical endorsement.

MODULE 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry

Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

MODULE 2: Foundations in Chemistry

2.1 Atoms and reactions

2.2 Electrons, bonding and structure

MODULE 3: Periodic Table and Energy

3.1 The periodic table

3.2 Physical chemistry

MODULE 4: Core Organic Chemistry

4.1 Basic concepts and hydrocarbons

4.2 Alcohols, haloalkanes and analysis

MODULE 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements

5.1 Rates, equilibrium and pH

5.2 Energy

5.3 Transition elements

MODULE 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis

6.1 Aromatic compounds, carbonyls and acids

6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and synthesis

6.3 Analysis

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Assessments

There are 3 exams at A-Level and the practical endorsement is assessed across the 2 years:

• Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01) – 2 hours 15 mins – 37%
• Synthesis and analytical techniques (02) – 2 hours 15 mins – 37%
• Unified Chemistry (03) – 1 hour 30 mins – 26%
• Practical endorsement in Chemistry (04) – Non-exam assessment

Trips, visits and enrichments:

• The Chemistry Olympiad
• Many chemistry students are involved with the progression pathways for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary and Pharmacy.

What can it lead to?

Students’ progress to degree programmes including Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, medical courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry, Biomedical Science, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry. Biochemistry and related subjects are also followed.