Science - Chemistry
Entry Requirements
Combined Science grade with at least 6-6, or grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry. Mathematics and English Language grade 6.
About This Course
Chemistry is arguably the most important subject a person could study. Everything we come into contact with has its roots in Chemistry; from the ingredients used to make bullet-proof vests to the ingredients in a lipstick or eye liner. Anyone who likes solving problems would love studying A Level Chemistry. The finance industry also has an interest in students with an A/AS Level in this subject. This specification can be sat as either an AS one-year course or an A Level two-year course.
Course Content & Assessment
This Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE (A Level) in Chemistry looks at the application of chemistry, chemical techniques and processes. There will be many opportunities for hands-on practical work in the 16 core practical experiments, assessed internally throughout the course. The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course of study for A level chemistry. It will appear on all students’ certificates as a separately reported result, alongside the overall grade for the qualification.
Units studied include:
Physical Chemistry Units: e.g. Atomic Structure, Redox Equations, Equilibrium, etc.
Inorganic Chemistry Units: e.g. Periodicity, etc.
Organic Chemistry Units: e.g. Organic Chemistry I - Alkanes, Halogenoalkanes, Alkenes, etc
The AS Level is assessed by 2 examination papers at the end of Year 12 both worth 50%.
The A-Level is assessed by 3 written papers at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 30% of the total qualification.
Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks.
Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry, 30% of the total qualification.
Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks. Paper 1 & 2 may include: multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.
Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry, 40% of the total qualification. Questions in this paper may draw on any of the topics.
Assessment is 2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks. Paper 3 may include: short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.
What could this course lead to?
An A Level in Chemistry would allow students to enter many diverse fields including: Medicine, Chemical Sciences, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering or Veterinary Sciences. Chemistry also opens doors to those doing Accountancy and Finance as it is based on similar analytical skills.
