Chemistry

Course summary

The aim of the course is to foster the knowledge and understanding of concepts rather than just the ability to remember facts. Students will learn how to recognise the operation of the principles of chemistry in practical applications and to be able to apply their understanding of the subject to novel situations, forming opinions on controversial topics. They will have the opportunity to develop observational skills in practical experimental work and to make and interpret quantitative measurements. Through experimental investigation candidates will learn the evidence on which the laws and theories of chemistry are based. Students will become familiar with the use of models as an aid to understanding whilst at the same time recognising the limitations of the models in some area of the subject. Most of the subject areas have been studied in a simpler form as part of GCSE Science courses.