Chemistry A Level
Chemistry in the 6th Form is one of the most challenging but rewarding courses on offer. The course is a 2-year course that will result in an A-level in Chemistry.
Employers and universities recognise the skills of a Chemistry student and look favourably upon the possession of a Key Stage 5 qualification in this subject.
In order to take this course there is an entry requirement of 6 or above in Mathematics and grade 6 or above in Chemistry and a grade 5 in a second science or 5-6 in combined science.
A- level Chemistry Person Specification
- Have an interest and enjoyment in Chemistry.
- Enjoy carrying out investigations using imaginative and logical thinking.
- Think abstractly to explain unfamiliar phenomena using their knowledge of Chemistry.
- Have a stong mathematical ability
- Be organised and able to plan and schedule your work
- Be resilient and self-motivated
How will I be assessed?
There are three written papers, Paper 1, 2 and 3, that are taken at the end of the two year course.
What will I study?
Year 1 Units |
Year 2 Units |
|
|
Assessment
A Level
Three exams will be taken, Paper 1, 2 and 3, at the end of the two year course.
Exam |
Course Content Examined |
Details of Exam |
Paper 1 |
Assesses relevant physical chemistry topics, inorganic chemistry and practical skills |
2 hour exam (35% of final mark) |
Paper 2 |
Assesses relevant physical chemistry topics, organic chemistry and practical skills |
2 hour exam (35% of final mark) |
Paper 3 |
Assesses content of the all topics from across the specification, data analysis & any relevant practical skills. |
2 hour exam (30% of the final mark) |
What will you study?
Year 1 Chemistry Topics | |
Physical Chemistry | Atomic structure
Amount of substance Bonding and Structure Energetics Kinetics |
Inorganic Chemistry | Periodicity
Group 2 Group 7 |
Organic Chemistry | Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Nomenclature
Alkanes Halogenoalkanes Alkenes Alcohols Organic Analysis |
Year 2 Chemistry Topics | |
Physical Chemistry | Chemical equilibria
Oxidation and reduction |
Inorganic Chemistry | Properties of period 3 elements
Transition metals Metals in aqueous solution |
Organic Chemistry | Isomerism and Carbonyl compounds
Aldehydes and ketones Carboxylic acid derivatives Aromatic chemistry Amines Polymers Amino acids, proteins and DNA Organic synthesis NMR Chromatography |
What skills will I gain from this course?
- Calculating and applying formulae to numerical data
- Gathering and analysing data
- Evaluative skills
- Practical skills
- Team building skills
Specimen papers and course information available
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level-7404-7405
Entry Requirements
In order to take this course there is an entry requirement of 6 or above in Mathematics and grade 6 or above in Chemistry and a grade 5 in a second science or 5-6 in combined science.
Chemistry Career Prospects
Chemistry is very logical and develops excellent organisational and analytical skills. As such employers of all kinds (scientific and non-scientific) value Chemistry qualifications. Below are just some of the jobs open to students of A Level Chemistry.
Careers Related Directly to Chemistry | Careers Not Related Directly to Chemistry |
Analytical Chemist
|
Accountant Dentistry Designer Photographer Mechanical Engineer Water Management The Armed Forces Computer Programmer Occupational Therapy Medicine Architect Geology Electrical Engineer Metallurgy Production Manager Physiotherapist Business Consultants Veterinary Science Solicitor Conservation Bank Manager Pharmacy IT Worker Art Restoration Farmer Radiology Lawyer |