A Level
BASIC COURSE DETAILS
Chemistry is the study of substances, what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things. Everything you see around you involves chemistry in some way. Studying chemistry will encourage you to keep your eyes open and may dissuade you from buying things without considering what they are made of! Chemists provide many of the materials of everyday life, together with the knowledge to improve healthcare and to appreciate the major environmental problems that face us all. Knowledge of chemistry will give you a greater understanding of the world we live in and could lead to a career rich in challenge, variety and opportunity.
IS IT FOR ME?
Chemistry is a demanding, but rewarding A Level choice. The level of factual recall and application of knowledge and understanding is very high and as such you will only be comfortable with the requirements of the course if you achieved a level 6 at GCSE.
10% of the total A Level marks require the use of higher tier GCSE mathematical skills and as such a good grade in Mathematics GCSE is essential.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
- Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Module 2: Foundations in chemistry
- Module 3: Periodic table and energy
- Module 4: Core organic chemistry
- Module 5: Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis
WHAT DOES STUDYING CHEMISTRY LEAD ON TO?
Chemistry is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, biochemistry, chemical engineering and the hundreds of other courses with chemistry in their title. It will also equip you for a career in industry, for example in the petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries. However, you aren’t restricted to sciences – chemistry students go on to study accountancy, law, economics, business studies and many other courses. It is a very versatile A-Level and is one that is well respected by universities and employers all over the country.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
There will be three external written exam papers: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01) will assess content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Synthesis and analytical techniques (02) will assess content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Unified chemistry (03) will assess content from all modules (1-6).
Practical Endorsement
Practical endorsement in chemistry is achieved by successfully completing a series of practical tasks over the two years of the course. Paper 3 will focus on the practical element of the course.