Chemistry

Course summary

why study this subject? Chemistry is an incredibly fascinating field of study. Because it is so fundamental to our world, chemistry plays a role in everyone’s lives and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way. Chemistry is sometimes called the “central science” because it connects other sciences to each other, such as biology, physics, geology and environmental science. Chemistry is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, and clean air, water, and soil. Chemical technologies enrich our quality of life in numerous ways by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials and energy usage. Thus, studying chemistry is useful in preparing us for the real world. In Year 12 (and AS) chemistry students will study Atomic Structure; Bonding; Energetics; Kinetics; Chemical Equilibria; Redox Reactions and Equations; Periodicity; Groups 2 & 7 Elements; Alkanes; Halogenoalkanes; Alkenes; Alcohols; and Organic Analysis. For the full A Level, all of the above topics are studied, plus Thermo-Dynamics; Rate Equations; Equilibrium Constants; Electrode Potentials and Electrochemical cells; Acids and Bases; Period 3 Elements and their Oxides; Transition Metals; Reactions in Aqueous Solution; Optical Isomerism; Aldehydes and Ketones; Carboxylic Acids; Aromatic Chemistry; Amines; Polymers; Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA; Organic Synthesis; NMR Spectroscopy; Chromatography. During sixth-form lessons, you will experience various teaching methods and styles such as demonstrations, practical work, lectures, handouts/notes, ICT work and one-to-one support. You will be expected to work much more on your own than you did at GCSE and to take greater responsibility for your own organization and learning.