Minimum Grade Requirement: 

Grade 6 in Maths and English Language, Grade 6 in Chemistry, and either Grade 6 in one other Science or Grades 6:6 in Double Science

Assessment:

External examination at the end of the course.

Course Overview

The course follows on from the study of GCSE Chemistry.  Students are encouraged to develop their confidence in building scientific explanations using a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.  As you progress through the course you will use your knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define problems, carry out experimental and investigative activities and present your findings.  Strength in Maths, Chemistry and Science at GCSE is desirable and will assist you in studying this course.

The course consists of three modules over the two years:

Module 1 Physical chemistry: This module covers atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle, thermodynamics, rate equations, equilibrium constant (Kc) for homogeneous systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells.

Module 2 Inorganic chemistry: In this module students study periodicity, Group 2 the Alkaline earth metals and Group 7 the Halogens, properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals and reactions of ions in aqueous solution.

Module 3 Organic chemistry: This module focusses on organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkanes, alcohols and organic analysis, optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy and chromatography.

Future Opportunities

A level Chemistry is essential for those who wish to proceed to university to read Chemistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry etc.  It is also highly regarded for competitive university courses such as Law, Technology, Engineering and Financial Studies. Students with a Chemistry degree are valued for both their problem solving and analytical skills.  Over the last few years many students have proceeded to the premier universities to study medical sciences and chemistry related sciences.

Complementary Subjects

Biology, Further Maths, Mathematics and Physics.