Chemistry

QUALIFICATION
Advanced Level
Exam Board: AQA
REQUIREMENTS
Either GCSE Chemistry Grade 6 or Combined Science 6–6 (from Trilogy)
Also a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics (high Grade 5 considered).

Why study Chemistry?

An A Level in Chemistry will provide you with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of chemical reactions. You will develop knowledge in how substances interact and carry out detailed calculations to enable preparation of formulations for use in medical and industrial applications. You will become confident in a range of analytical and practical skills to prepare you fully for future scientific study or a variety of careers in many fields.

What skills are required?

Students studying Chemistry should be logical thinkers with an interest in explaining how things work. You will be required to have, and be able to develop, good mathematical skills, hence the need for a good GCSE pass in Mathematics.

Students will be expected to carry out background reading and develop research skills to extract relevant information from a variety of sources.

You will be confident in practical work and become skilled in the use of a wide range of apparatus. Observation skills will be enhanced in order to add full explanations of results linked to relevant scientific theory.

Course Content

In the first year of the course students will study:

Physical Chemistry, including advanced structure, bonding and kinetics
Inorganic Chemistry, including patterns and trends (periodicity)
Organic Chemistry, including nomenclature, isomerism and mechanisms

During the first year there are six required practical experiments that must be taken in class which will provide evidence towards the practical endorsement.

In the second year students will build on Year 1 knowledge and study:

Physical Chemistry, including thermodynamics and electrochemistry
Inorganic Chemistry, including Period 3 elements and Transition Metals
Organic Chemistry, including Aromatic Chemistry and Organic Synthesis

During the second year a further six required practical experiments must be undertaken to complete the practical endorsement.

How will it be assessed?

Paper 1: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry topics

2 hours
105 marks
35% of A Level

Paper 2: Organic and Physical Chemistry topics

2 hours
105 marks
35% of A Level

Paper 3: Practical skills and all topics, plus multiple choice section

2 hours
90 marks
30% of A Level

Progression

A Level Chemistry is a long established and well respected qualification. The course will provide opportunities to study Chemistry or related Chemical Sciences at university or enter careers in a wide range of scientific jobs, including Medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research, Forensics, Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry. It also enables work in Food and Environmental Sciences.

Staff Contacts
daniel.cox@oldburywells.com
alice.waldron@oldburywells.com