Exam board specification link
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/chemistry-7404-7405
Name of textbook if used
None used
What is A Level Chemistry?
A knowledge of Chemistry helps us to understand and explain the world around us. During our A Level Chemistry course learners study a range of basic concepts, including atomic structure, energetics, thermodynamics and mechanisms of organic reactions, allowing them to build a comprehensive body of knowledge that they can then apply to novel contexts.
Why study this course?
A Level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘what is the world made of’ and it’s the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that chemistry provides are endless.
What can you expect from this course?
A Level Chemistry is delivered using a university model of teaching, known as The Triple A Model. This has been developed at UTC and has produced outstanding outcomes, both in terms of results (our Chemistry students perform well above National Average according to Value Added Scores for the course) and the readiness of our students for further study. Students will be supported in becoming independent learners through the innovative use of ICT, including narrated lectures, a virtual resource database, extensive individual gap analysis and google Classroom.
How is it assessed?
AS Chemistry lasts one year, with 2 exams at the end. A Level Chemistry lasts two years, with 3 exams at the end of the second year. Practical skills are assessed in internally as part of a Practical Endorsement, as well as through exam questions.
What are the entry requirements?
GCSE Grade 6 or above in Combined Science/Chemistry, Maths and English Language
What can I do after completing this qualification?
According to bestcourse4me.com, the top five degree courses taken by students who have an A Level in Chemistry are:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Pre-clinical medicine Mathematics
- Pharmacology
What will I study? (include unit numbers and names)
AS and first year of A Level
Physical chemistry – Including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle
Inorganic chemistry – Including periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7(17) the halogens
Organic chemistry – Including introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis
Second year of A Level
Physical chemistry – Including thermodynamics, rate equations, the equilibrium constant Kp, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
Inorganic chemistry – Including properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution
Organic chemistry Including optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography
Additional activities within this subject
Young Analyst Competition
Opportunities at Liverpool University
Wider Reading list
Periodic Tales – Hugh Aldersey-Williams
Chemistry World Magazine
ChemTube 3d
Why Chemical Reactions Happen – James Keeler and Peter Wothers
Useful links or Apps
http://www.a-levelchemistry.co.uk/
You may also enjoy studying
Biology, Physics, Maths
Teachers
Dr Brooke