Chemistry

Course summary

Understanding chemistry enables us to explain why materials behave as they do - relating properties of the material to the interaction of particles at the atomic level. Chemists across a wide range of disciplines are charged with meeting the material needs of the world’s ever-growing population while considering the impact of their use on the environment at every life cycle stage – considering sustainability, manufacturing processes, and appropriate disposal. It is exciting to teach such important theoretical concepts, whilst also developing mathematical technique and logical problem-solving skills. Chemistry is also a hands-on subject and we proudly chart the practical skills development of our students in our well-resourced labs, as well as taking advantage of links with Newcastle University and local industry, to give our students every opportunity to excel. On concluding their studies, many of our students go on to join the NHS as doctors, dentists, lab scientists, nurses, and midwives. They often also contribute to developing new energy technologies with the petrochemical industry, to developing new drugs with the pharmaceutical industry, and to joining the education sector. Chemistry matters a great deal, to us, to our students, and society. A-level chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘What is the world made of’ and it is the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that chemistry provides are endless. Chemistry is of particular value to those hoping to pursue careers in analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, clinical biochemistry, toxicology, environmental science, scientific patent law, science writing, and teaching.