Chemistry - A Level

Module 2: Foundations in chemistry

Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations

Amount of substance

Acid–base and redox reactions

Electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3: Periodic table and energy

The periodic table and periodicity

Group 2 and the halogens

Qualitative analysis

Enthalpy changes

Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4: Core organic chemistry

Basic concepts

Hydrocarbons

Alcohols and haloalkanes

Organic synthesis

Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Module 5: Physical chemistry and transition elements

Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)

pH and buffers

Enthalpy, entropy and free energy

Redox and electrode potentials

Transition elements

Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis

Aromatic compounds

Carbonyl compounds

Carboxylic acids and esters

Nitrogen compounds

Polymers

Organic synthesis

Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

This course is 100% exam based. Students will complete three exams at the end of the second year.

The course has three examined Units:

Paper 1: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (100 marks, 2hrs 15 minutes)

Paper 2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (100 marks, 2hrs 15 minutes)

Paper 3: Unified Chemistry (70 marks, 1hr30minutes)

Papers 1 and 2 are comprised of two sections: A and B. Section A comprises of 15 marks of multiple choice questions, whereas section B includes short answer questions (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions.

Paper 3 contains short answer (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and

extended response questions covering content across the entire A-level course.

Students must be numerate, able to analyse information from questions and have achieved at least a grade 6 in separate science or combined science, and Maths. A grade 5 or above in English language is preferred.

Studying A-level Chemistry will not only give you a strong academic record, but help you develop strong mathematical skills, as well as skills in analysis, organisation, monitoring and evaluating data and team work, whilst learning about how Chemistry impacts the world around you, in our role as responsible citizens. It is these reasons that it is an essential subject to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.

However the skills you develop during your A-level, or your undergraduate study, will make you highly employable. For this reason, Chemistry graduates have the highest employability rates, with an average salary of £25,593 six months after graduating.

Not only does Chemistry lead to common career choices, such as analytical chemist, research chemist, medicinal chemist or environmental chemist; it makes you highly employable for roles in other sectors such as forensics, law, teaching or ecology.