Chemistry
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A LEVEL CHEMISTRY?
First of all, because you love it! As a subject, Chemistry is interesting and stimulating in its own right. However, Chemistry also complements many other subject combinations, leading to improved life choices beyond school. Modern applications of Chemistry are all around us, whether it be a new treatment for cancer, “self-cleaning windows” or the latest shade of lipstick! Chemistry is very much a “hands on” subject with many opportunities for experimental work.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
There will be a seamless transition from GCSE to Advanced Level. The specification is arranged into the traditional three branches of physical, inorganic and organic Chemistry. The first year of A Level will cover Physical chemistry (atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, chemical equilibria); Inorganic chemistry (periodicity, Groups 2 and 7 of the Periodic Table) and Organic chemistry (alkanes, haloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols and organic analysis). The second year of A Level will further develop these three areas, and will include such modern developments as electrochemical cells, NMR spectroscopy and chromatography. Complex calculations can play a part too and the mathematical demand of the A Level course is substantial! Practical activity is an integral part of the new course, reflecting its importance.
HOW WILL I LEARN?
You will be taught Chemistry through both theory and practical lessons. You will answer problems and prepare answers for class work tutorials. You will complete end of topic tests and examination style questions. You will also take part in experiments throughout the course.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
Chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It helps to you challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Although coursework has been removed, there is a list of practical activities that students must carry out, and examination questions will be based on these practicals. These questions will form about 20% of the total assessment.
There will be three examination papers at the end of the A Level course (each of two hours):
Paper 1: Two hours of a mixture of short and long answer questions, covering inorganic chemistry, with relevant physical chemistry and relevant practical skills; 35% of the A Level
Paper 2: Two hours of a mixture of short and long answer questions, covering organic chemistry with relevant physical chemistry and relevant practical skills; 35% of the A Level
Paper 3: Two hours, covering all practical skills (covering practical techniques and data analysis) and all content specified in the syllabus. This section will include some multiple choice questions; 30% of the A Level
WHAT CAN A QUALIFICATION IN CHEMISTRY LEAD TO?
If you wanted to go into a career in any form of medicine including doctor or veterinarian then you will find A Level Chemistry compulsory, however there are many subjects and careers where this is the case, as well as there being many options where an A Level Chemistry qualification is desirable. Having an A Level in Chemistry is a very desirable trait and is a highly respected qualification to have in academic circles.
Possible career and course options available to you and your A Level Chemistry qualification include: medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, chemistry, biochemistry, food science/nutrition, forensic science, biological/engineering careers, optical management, optometry, microbiology, natural sciences, pharmacology, software engineering and physiology. Careers and courses that find Chemistry desirable include food technology, nursing, physiotherapy, radiography, paramedical courses, law and zoology.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Two x grade 6 in GCSE Combined Science Trilogy AND grade 6 in Chemistry component of GCSE or grade 6 in Chemistry component or grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry. Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.