Chemistry - A Level
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry is everywhere in the world around you! It’s in the food you eat, the clothes you wear and the water you drink. It’s in medicines, the atmosphere, and cleaning agents. Chemistry connects other sciences – like Biology, Physics, Geology and Environmental Science – together. It links with many areas of everyday life and helps develop an understanding of current events and phenomena.
The course will provide a rewarding experience across the ability range, while genuinely challenging the most able students. There are many careers in chemistry, but even if you’re looking for a job in another field, the analytical skills you gain in chemistry are helpful. Chemistry A Level can open doors to a vast diversity of careers
What will I study?
| Physical chemistry | Inorganic chemistry | Organic chemistry |
| Structure and bonding | Periodicity | Alkanes, alkenes and alcohols |
| Energetics and kinetics | Group 2 metals | Organic analysis |
| Chemical equilibria | The halogens | Isomerism |
| Redox equations | Period 3 elements | Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and esters |
| Thermodynamics | Transition metals | Aromatic chemistry |
| Electrochemical cells | Reactions of ions | Polymers |
| Acids and bases | Proteins and DNA | |
| Organic synthesis |
Assessment:
At the end of the course learners sit three exams. They also complete a range of compulsory, assessed practical’s throughout the course.
| Paper | What is assessed
| |
| Paper 1
(2 hours) | Physical chemistry (year 1 content) and inorganic chemistry | 34% of total A level |
| Paper 2
(2 hours) | Physical Chemistry (year 2 content) and Organic chemistry (year 1 and 2 content) | 34% of total A level |
| Paper 3
(2 hours) | Practical skills and data analysis | 32% of total A level |
Destinations:
Studying Chemistry and learning the skills that it includes opens the doors to many career paths, not just those directly related to Chemistry. The possibilities are endless but include:
Doctor, Dentist, Vet, Applications chemist, Consumer products technician, Flavourist and innovation chemist, Sports scientist, Accountant, Fragrance evaluator, Atmospheric researcher, Finance manager, Medicinal chemist, Physiotherapist, Forensic scientist, Sustainability researcher, Publishing, Biomedical scientist, Pharmacist.