Chemistry A Level

WHAT DO I NEED TO STUDY THIS COURSE?

You need a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or 66 in GCSE Combined Science and a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?

Chemistry is a highly academic and well respected A Level that will develop your analytical, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You will need to be hard working and have excellent mathematical skills to study this course.

There is a high level of practical work on the course and our laboratories are fully equipped with all the specialised equipment that are needed to enhance
your laboratory skills. Also, our small class sizes ensure you receive the support you need to succeed.

Chemistry is an excellent A Level to take alongside the traditional STEM subjects of Biology, Physics or Maths and also a good combination with Geography, Criminology, Forensics or even Arts subjects.

WHERE WILL THIS COURSE TAKE ME?

There are many careers that directly involve Chemistry and it is an essential requirement to study the for medical professions, e.g. medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and veterinary medicine. There are many other careers outside of Chemistry that will highly value A Level Chemistry because of the high-level skills you will develop. Many of our students pursue a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or analytical Chemistry with recent destinations including Lancaster and Manchester universities. The practical skills acquired during their A level studies fully equip them for the demanding level of work they will be undertaking there.

WHAT WILL I LEARN

YEAR 1

• Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
• Amount of substance
• Acid–base and redox reactions
• Electrons, bonding and structure
• The periodic table and periodicity
• Group 2 and the halogens
• Qualitative analysis
• Enthalpy changes
• Reaction rates and equilibrium
• Basic concepts of Organic Chemistry
• Hydrocarbons
• Alcohols and haloalkanes

YEAR 2

• Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
• pH and buffers
• Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
• Redox and electrode potentials
• Transition elements
• Aromatic compounds
• Carbonyl compounds
• Carboxylic acids and esters

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

100% examination based. Practical skills are assessed in the written examinations as well as in the practical endorsement certificate.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
See Dr Moore or Dr Donovan