If you enjoy practical work, problem solving and making sense of the material world around you, A Level Chemistry offers a stimulating and rewarding experience. The course covers the three key areas of Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.
Chemistry is considered one of the most difficult A-level subjects, however for hard-working and self-motivated students, the high challenge and critical thinking make this course a strong foundation for all.
Whether you are interested in pursuing a chemistry-related career, or as a pre-requisite for other careers, like Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry, you will develop key skills such as analytical and logical thinking which are inherently valuable. Chemistry is a valuable support subject for those studying A Level Biology and can complement aspects of A Level Physics.
Chemistry students who are not studying A Level Mathematics are strongly recommended to study maths beyond GCSE level to support the development of mathematical skills required for this course for example studying Core Maths.
Course content
The A-level course is divided into three areas with year 2 topics building on those taught in year 1:
Physical Chemistry
Year 1
Year 2
Atomic structure
Amount of substance
Bonding
Energetics
Kinetics
Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
Thermodynamics
Rate equations
Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
Acids and bases
Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1
Year 2
Periodicity
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
Group 7(17), the halogens
Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
Transition metals
Reactions of ions in aqueous solution
Organic Chemistry
Year 1
Year 2
Introduction to organic chemistry
Alkanes
Halogenoalkanes
Alkenes
Alcohols
Organic analysis
Optical isomerism
Aldehydes and ketones
Carboxylic acids and derivatives
Aromatic chemistry
Amines
Polymers
Amino acids, proteins and DNA
Organic synthesis
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Chromatography
The A-level course is divided into three areas with year 2 topics building on those taught in year 1:
|
Physical Chemistry |
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
|
Atomic structure Amount of substance Bonding Energetics Kinetics Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc Oxidation, reduction and redox equations |
Thermodynamics Rate equations Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells Acids and bases |
|
Inorganic Chemistry |
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
|
Periodicity Group 2, the alkaline earth metals Group 7(17), the halogens |
Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides Transition metals Reactions of ions in aqueous solution |
|
Organic Chemistry |
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
|
Introduction to organic chemistry Alkanes Halogenoalkanes Alkenes Alcohols Organic analysis |
Optical isomerism Aldehydes and ketones Carboxylic acids and derivatives Aromatic chemistry Amines Polymers Amino acids, proteins and DNA Organic synthesis Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy Chromatography |
Enrichment
Students are advised to take part in college-run STEM activities and belong to the college BioMed group. They are encouraged to apply for Access to Bristol and to enter the international RSC Chemistry Olympiad and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Visits have also been organised to the Universities of Bristol and Bath Departments of Chemistry for talks and demonstrations.
Students are advised to take part in college-run STEM activities and belong to the college BioMed group. They are encouraged to apply for Access to Bristol and to enter the international RSC Chemistry Olympiad and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Visits have also been organised to the Universities of Bristol and Bath Departments of Chemistry for talks and demonstrations.
Resources
Chemistry is taught in modern, well-equipped laboratories. The Chemistry tutors have developed a comprehensive range of resources that students can access out of lessons. The college Learning Resource Centre has a large number of computers for student use and is well stocked with printed and electronic resources to support independent study.
Chemistry is taught in modern, well-equipped laboratories. The Chemistry tutors have developed a comprehensive range of resources that students can access out of lessons. The college Learning Resource Centre has a large number of computers for student use and is well stocked with printed and electronic resources to support independent study.
Methods of teaching and learning
The course is tutored by well-qualified Chemistry specialists who aim to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of Chemistry and to foster imaginative, logical and critical thinking. The course integrates theory and experimental work, developing analytical and manipulative skills. Students are encouraged to develop scientific communication skills through research, discussion and written work.
Methods of Assessment
Students will sit three written exam papers at the end of the course each lasting 2 hours. During the course students will complete a range of practical activities. Some skills will be assessed by teacher observation in class and teacher marked practical reports. The remaining skills will be assessed within the written exams.
The course is tutored by well-qualified Chemistry specialists who aim to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of Chemistry and to foster imaginative, logical and critical thinking. The course integrates theory and experimental work, developing analytical and manipulative skills. Students are encouraged to develop scientific communication skills through research, discussion and written work.
Methods of Assessment
Students will sit three written exam papers at the end of the course each lasting 2 hours. During the course students will complete a range of practical activities. Some skills will be assessed by teacher observation in class and teacher marked practical reports. The remaining skills will be assessed within the written exams.
Practical skills endorsement
Alongside the exam grade, student certificates will also show if they have achieved the Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail mark generated from their practical skills and portfolio of practical work.
Alongside the exam grade, student certificates will also show if they have achieved the Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail mark generated from their practical skills and portfolio of practical work.
Progression
A-level Chemistry provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to higher education. A wide range of careers opportunities are open to them, such as: Analytical Chemistry, Archaeology, Art Restoration, Biochemistry, Conservation, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Food Technology, Forensic Science, Forestry, Geology, Horticulture, Information Technology, Science Journalism, Material Science, Medicine, Museums, Nursing, Oceanography, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Social Work, Sports & Fitness and Veterinary Science.
What Next?
Students have progressed to university to study courses such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, Pharmacology, Chemical Physics, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering and Education.
A-level Chemistry provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to higher education. A wide range of careers opportunities are open to them, such as: Analytical Chemistry, Archaeology, Art Restoration, Biochemistry, Conservation, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Food Technology, Forensic Science, Forestry, Geology, Horticulture, Information Technology, Science Journalism, Material Science, Medicine, Museums, Nursing, Oceanography, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Social Work, Sports & Fitness and Veterinary Science.
What Next?
Students have progressed to university to study courses such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, Pharmacology, Chemical Physics, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering and Education.
Where can this course lead?
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