A Level Chemistry
Overview:
The course gives learners many opportunities to develop the fundamental skills needed to understand the nature of Chemistry.
Chemistry is a highly analytical and practical subject. It is useful to have strong mathematical skills in order to achieve a good understanding of the A Level course. This qualification helps students to develop research, problem-solving and analytical skills. It often requires teamwork and combines academic study with practical investigations. This gives students opportunities to use a wide range of apparatus and techniques in order to develop and demonstrate the required specific practical skills. Topics vary from rates of reaction to organic synthesis and electrochemistry.
Students wanting to stretch themselves further can take part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge in Lower 6th and the RSC Chemistry Olympiad in Upper 6th.
Develop knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry and how they relate to each other. Demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods. Develop competence in practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.
“Really friendly teachers and great vibe in class. I really enjoyed the weekly quizzes in teams, which were good for recapping work. Also there are many opportunities for experiments that are fun and exciting, especially some of the organic ones. It has hard sections that are challenging but that is part of the appeal of the subject.”
Course Structure and Content:
The course is taught over six themes which, combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitute the full A Level.
- Module 1 - Development of practical skills in Chemistry
- Module 2 - Foundations in Chemistry
- Module 3 - Periodic table and energy
- Module 4 - Core Organic Chemistry
- Module 5 - Physical Chemistry and transition elements
- Module 6 - Organic Chemistry and analysis
Year 1
The structure of atoms, reactions and equations, structure and bonding, and amounts of substance. In addition we will look at the periodic table, enthalpy changes, reaction rates and equilibrium. Carbon Chemistry, including the properties, synthesis, reactions and analysis of hydrocarbons, alcohols and haloalkanes, will also be covered.
Year 2
A more quantitative treatment of rates, energetics, equilibria, and pH and buffers. In addition, electrode potentials and the properties and reactions of the transition metals will be studied. The chemistry of carbon is developed to include aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, esters and polymers. Further analytical techniques, such as NMR, are also covered.
Click here to download a course flyer
Assessment:
At the end of the Lower 6th, students sit an exam on all of the Lower 6th content. This does not count towards the final grade, but assesses the content at this half-way point before progression to the Upper 6th.
The final A Level exams, at the end of the Upper 6th, are split into three separate papers and assess content from the whole two year course. There is also a separate, non-examinable Practical Endorsement which is assessed throughout the two years of the course.
- Assessment 1 - 37% 2 hours 15 minutes written paper based on modules 1, 2, 3 & 5 (100 marks)
- Assessment 2 - 37% 2 hours 15 minutes written paper based on modules 1, 2, 4 & 6 (100 marks)
- Assessment 3 - 26% 1 hour 30 minutes written paper based on all modules (70 marks)
Examination Board:
The course followed is the OCR A Level Chemistry H432
OCR A Level Chemistry (external link)
Future career opportunities
With a Chemistry qualification the career opportunities are numerous and varied including;
- Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary Science
- Food Science
- Pharmacy and Forensics
Chemistry is also a sought-after degree for Accountancy, Law and Banking.