Summary

Chemistry is the study of substances: what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things and other processes. In fact, chemistry is the study of all materials and is vital to every aspect of life. Chemistry is all around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat and the clothes we wear. This A-level course is designed to enable learners to develop essential knowledge and an understanding of the main chemistry concepts, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations, as well as an understanding of the link between theory and practical application.

What will I study?

A-level Chemistry (Year 1 and Year 2):

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry

Practical skills assessed in a written examination

Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry

Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations

Amount of substance

Acid–base and redox reactions

Electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy

The periodic table and periodicity

Group 2 and the halogens

Qualitative analysis

Enthalpy changes

Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry

Basic concepts

Hydrocarbon

Alcohols and haloalkanes

Organic synthesis

Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements

Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)

pH and buffers

Enthalpy, entropy and free energy

Redox and electrode potentials

Transition elements

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

Aromatic compounds

Carbonyl compounds

Carboxylic acids and esters

Nitrogen compounds

Polymers

Organic synthesis

How will I know how I am doing?

Year 1 is assessed by two written exams, both 90 minutes long. Both exams will cover modules 1–4.

Year 2 is assessed by three exams: two will be 135 minutes long and the other will be 90 minutes long. These exams will cover all six modules.

What do I need to join?

To study this course, you will have obtained a minimum of grade 7/A in GCSE Chemistry, 7–7/AA in Combined Science and 6/B in Mathematics. The minimum entrance requirements for this course are 6–6/BB in GCSE Combined Science, plus a grade 6/B or better in GCSE Mathematics with an entrance test.

What can I do next?

People who study chemistry can follow endless paths as the subject is so diverse and broad. Most students go to university in order to pursue a particular passion in chemistry; these routes include: analytical chemistry, research science, forensic science, toxicology, quality control and pharmaceuticals. Chemistry can take you in so many different directions and shows a level of understanding that employers value, due to the intense complexity of the subject.