Chemistry

Course summary

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL CHEMISTRY? This is a course that will challenge you and help you to understand the world around you. COMBINING CHEMISTRY WITH OTHER SUBJECT AREAS: Chemistry works particularly well in combination with biology, physics/ mathematics (20% of questions are calculations!). As part of any program of study, it will certainly improve your skills in numeracy, practical work, and logical thinking. Many Chemistry students will also take the opportunity to join the “Medics” program in pursuit of careers in medicine and related fields and to pursue a related Extended Project qualification in a topic linked to their intended career in their second year of study. There is also an opportunity to take part in activities such as the Cambridge University Chemistry Challenge and the Olympiad. COURSE CONTENT The first year of the course consists of five topics: • Elements of life: Atomic structure, bonding, and calculations. • Developing fuels: Energetics and organic. • Elements from the Sea: Redox and halogens. • The Ozone story: Radicals and CFCs. • What’s in a medicine? Organic and spectroscopy YEAR 2 A-LEVEL TOPICS: • The Chemical Industry: Equilibrium and kinetics. • Polymers and Life: Polyester and biological chemistry. • The Oceans: Solubility and pH calculations. • Developing metals: transition metals and electrochemical cells. • Colour by Design: aromatic compounds, dyes, and organic synthesis.