Chemistry

Course summary

A-level Chemistry is a natural next stage from the GCSE course and so many recognisable topics are taken a stage further. Some topics, such as atomic structure, are studied in greater detail while others, such as equilibria, broaden the GCSE experience and then use mathematics so that the qualitative understanding becomes more quantitative. The biggest content difference at A-level is the great increase in the amount of organic chemistry. This includes many more functional groups, an understanding of the mechanisms of the reactions as well as an understanding of synthetic routes. Throughout the course, principles are developed, revisited, and reinforced. The subject content is relevant to real-world experiences and interesting to learn. Chemistry is fundamentally a practical subject, and there are numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to enhance theory and equip you with accredited practical skills. AQA chemistry is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the A-level year. Chemistry is taught through three main subject areas: Physical chemistry: Atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, chemical equilibria, redox, thermodynamics, rate equations, electrode potentials, acids, and bases. Inorganic chemistry: Periodicity, groups 2 and 7 of the periodic table, properties of period 3 elements and oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution Organic chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic synthesis, optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, nuclear magnetic resonance, chromatography.