Chemistry

Course summary

This is a contemporary course that aims to develop the student’s enthusiasm for Chemistry by exploring its relevance beyond the laboratory. Students will have opportunities to gain hands-on practical skills as well as enhance their data-handling and problem-solving abilities. Course Content The three main areas of Chemistry are studied on the course: Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. 1. Physical Chemistry This section builds upon some of the key Chemistry concepts studied at GCSE including Atomic Structure, Quantitative Chemistry (Calculations) Bonding and Kinetics (Rates of Reaction). The Energetics of reactions, Chemical Equilibria and Redox Reactions are also covered. 2. Inorganic Chemistry Involves the study of the Periodic Table, including explaining trends and patterns in physical and chemical properties of the elements and the study of Group VII Halogens and Group II Alkaline Earth Metals. 3. Organic Chemistry Following an introduction to the principles of Organic Chemistry students study in greater depth the structures, reactions, and mechanisms of specific homologous series and functional groups, including alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, and alcohols. We also undertake organic analysis both practically and using spectroscopic techniques.