Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry is an exciting subject; it is also of enormous importance for the well-being and advancement of our civilisation. You have only to consider how the chemical industry provides for your food (fertilisers, agrochemicals, preservatives), clothing (fibres, detergents), shelter (construction materials), transport (fuels, lubricants) and health (drugs, pharmaceuticals) to realise that life as we know it would stop almost overnight if the fruits of past chemical research and development were not available. Chemistry also has a major part to play in environmental issues. The first teaching modules will cover the fundamental basics in theory and practical work which all good chemists should be familiar with. This will include topics on atomic structure, redox reactions, calculations using moles, and structure and bonding within materials. Questions on this work may feature in ANY of the three final papers. The subject will then be divided into two strands broadly following the lines of inorganic/physical chemistry in one and organic chemistry in the other. Physical chemistry is tested in both papers 1 and 2, inorganic in paper 1 and organic in paper 2. There will be much more emphasis than at GCSE level on the links between the topic areas and a synoptic view to the subject is tested in paper 3, which will require knowledge of the whole content and an ability to write at length. Practical work is recognised by a ‘pass or fail’ endorsement which will be published alongside the A level grade. This involves doing 12 required practicals in the context of the theory work carried out during normal lessons. Students are assessed by teachers and the results are then moderated, if necessary, by the examination board. Practical understanding is also assessed throughout the three chemistry papers. The greatest difference between GCSE and A-level is encountered in physical chemistry, with the increased expectation of mathematical calculations and handling several different pieces of information at once. There is also far greater depth in organic chemistry with a large emphasis of knowing how to change one functional group into another, whilst appreciating the mechanism of that change. Chemistry is challenging but if you enjoy Science and Mathematics you will thrive at the A-Level Chemistry course. OPPORTUNITIES AFTER THE COURSE Chemistry A-level is a specific requirement for many courses at university and can lead to careers in chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, biological sciences and other less obvious areas such as law.