A Level Chemistry

You will learn about advanced chemistry concepts, across physical, inorganic and organic chemistry topics and how this can be applied to a range of real-life applications. You will also develop your experimental skills and how to apply your knowledge to solve real-life problems. If you enjoy the study of the substances that make both us and our surroundings, then chemistry is a subject you should consider. Chemistry is everywhere: in the food we eat and the water we drink, from the clothes we wear and our mobile phones to the medicines that keep us healthy. Chemistry is truly the central science. Emphasis throughout the course is on developing your knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving, together with enhancing your understanding of key chemical ideas and how they link to each other. All this makes A Level Chemistry a challenging and interesting course. New breakthroughs in fields such as genetics, biochemistry, medicine and pharmacy, materials science (including nanotechnology), forensics, the environment and next generation computer hardware are all driven by chemistry. Chemistry is a fascinating and fundamental subject. You will study many topic areas each will allow you to explore a topic containing different key concepts. Once the features of a chemical topic have been developed, you will consider the applications and relevance to everyday life. Examples of topics you will study in the first year include the study of fundamental areas such as organic chemistry, energy, quantitative chemistry and chemical bonding. In the second year these topics are studied in more depth and new areas introduced such as C13 NMR spectroscopy. A variety of teaching methods are used with an emphasis on practical experimentation.

A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above, including at least GCSE Chemistry grade 6 or Combined Science grades 6 6, GCSE English grade 5 and GCSE Maths grade 6.

You will study through theory and experimental based lectures, meeting new concepts and applying them to a range of situations. You will develop your problem solving and mathematical skills, as well as understanding of a range of diverse topics, and there will be a clear focus on how to apply your understanding to solve problems of increasing complexity. There is an emphasis on the application of mathematics within the course and how it can be used to explain the world around us. Practical lectures will enable you to develop confidence in working experimentally, as well as increasing your knowledge and skills regarding scientific method, data analysis and the presenting of data. You will study all six modules over the two years which will be assessed at the end of the two-year linear course. In addition, students are required to successfully complete the Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry (Module 1) which prepares you for examinations and also higher education and future careers.

You will be assessed through end of topic tests under timed conditions in class, regular homework questions and through completion of class activities. You will sit formal A Level exams at the end of your two years of study. A Level grades will be based only on marks for written exams, and your practical endorsement will be assessed separately as pass or fail.

If you want to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary science, then A Level Chemistry is essential. However, an understanding of chemistry is desirable for a variety of university courses including geology, environmental science, and materials science. Chemistry students are much sought after and can pursue careers in many exciting and varied fields of work.

Studying chemistry provides you with many skills such as problem solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork.

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