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 5 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 |
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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
Entry requirement of 5 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.