Chemistry

Course summary

A Level Chemistry will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. It covers the key concepts of chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. You will learn about chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. Studying chemistry is an interesting and challenging experience designed to link key chemical ideas and understand how they relate to each other. The course will lead to the development of transferable skills including investigating, problem solving, research, decision making, mathematical skills and analytical skills. Emphasis throughout the course is on developing knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving. You will learn how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. A good grounding in Mathematics at GCSE is recommended due to calculation work. Students are also required to complete independent work to further their knowledge and understanding. The areas of study will include: • Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations • Amount of substance • Acid–base and redox reactions • Electrons, bonding and structure • The periodic table and periodicity • Group 2 and the halogens • Reaction rates and equilibrium • pH and buffers • Enthalpy, entropy and free energy • Redox and electrode potentials • Transition elements • Organic chemistry • Polymers • Organic synthesis • Analytical techniques (IR and MS) • Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)