Are you interested in the world around you? Do you want to know more about molecules within the human body or elements at the edge of the galaxy?
If you enjoyed chemistry at GCSE, you’ll enjoy this A Level course which is underpinned by the practical skills that are vital to chemists. During the course you’ll get a real in-depth knowledge of this fascinating subject, preparing you for further education or giving you the credentials to enhance your job options straight away. Chemists have greatly improved the quality of life for the majority of people. You will find out how chemists are real innovators, designing solutions to the problems that affect modern life. A Level Chemistry is a linear qualification which means that assessment will take place at the end of the course.
The course is divided into the three areas of physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. The varied topics you will study include Atomic Structure, Transition Metal Complexes and Proteins and DNA. Throughout the course you will carry out practical activities including: measuring energy changes in chemical reactions, tests for identifying different types of compound, different methods for measuring rates of reaction, studying electrochemical cells, preparation of organic solids and liquids. Your skills will be developed through a range of tasks including practical work and group research, including how to assemble data and assess it, how to work as a team to achieve results, how to investigate facts and use deduction, and how to put over your point of view fluently.
Chemistry A Level is highly regarded by universities and employers. Chemistry is essential for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences. Within the chemical industry there are opportunities in Pharmacy, Forensics, Engineering and the Environment. Less obvious careers where qualifications in chemistry are highly valued include patent law, financial careers, publishing and computing.
Your Chemistry A Level grade will be based only on marks from written exams. There are 3 papers taken at the end of the second year.
Paper 1: Inorganic chemistry with relevant physical chemistry, relevant practical skills
Assessment: Written exam 1¾ hours, 90 marks, 30% of A Level
Questions: Mixture of multiple choice, short and long answer questions.
Paper 2: Organic chemistry with relevant physical chemistry, relevant practical skills
Assessment: Written exam 1¾ hours, 90 marks, 30% of A Level
Questions: Mixture of multiple choice, short and long answer questions.
Paper 3: All topics with half the paper focusing on practical skills.
Assessment: Written exam 2½ hours, 120 marks, 40% of A Level
Questions: Mixture of multiple choice, short and long answer questions.
Practical Skills: A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A Level. This will be assessed in class by your teachers and will be based on direct observation of your competency in a range of skills. Your practical skills award will appear on your A Level certificate as a separately reported result, alongside the overall grade for the qualification.