Chemistry

Entry requirements: GCSE grade 6 in Chemistry or 66 in Combined Science
Grade 5 in Mathematics

#gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

: Reviewed by Eloise Bundy

: Reviewed by Lucy White

: Reviewed by Constantina Nichola

The core aim of the Chemistry A Level course is to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.

Students are encouraged to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for Chemistry and understand how it contributes to the success of the economy and society. The content of the course is arranged into broad topics as follows:

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
Module 3 – The periodic table, enthalpy changes, reaction rates and equilibrium
Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
Module 6 – Further organic chemistry and analysis

Assessment

The A Level exams are sat at the end of the second year and assess the entire course content over three exam papers. They are broadly divided into organic and inorganic/ physical chemistry, with the final paper being entirely synoptic. The practical skills are assessed through written examination, but in addition students will be awarded a Practical Endorsement upon completion of a portfolio of the practical work undertaken throughout the course.

Career Opportunities

This course aims to develop awareness of the world outside the laboratory and the skills learned open up a wide range of careers, both scientific and non-scientific. These key skills include imaginative and critical thinking, problem solving, communication and ICT. That is why you will find chemists working in accountancy, law, manufacturing, advertising, engineering, space research, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, retail, construction and cosmetics. With a chemistry qualification, the world is your oyster!

Curriculum Maps