Chemistry (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade B in GCSE English (Language or Literature), Grade B in GCSE Maths (Higher Tier) and a grade B in GCSE Chemistry. If you are offering GCSE Core Science and Additional Science for entry to a single science A level, you will need to offer a B in the Core and a B in the Additional components of this course. (Applied Science GCSE is not accepted)

About the Subject

Chemistry is the study of the nature of matter and how it can be changed from one form to another. Chemists are interested in how useful materials can be made and why substances behave in particular ways. The study of Chemistry develops the imagination and encourages students in their own thinking. Students experience Chemistry for themselves; essential chemical ideas are developed through practical work. The course is well suited to those who may want to use chemistry to support other qualifications or to progress on to further study. A-level Chemistry is required for some Higher Education courses e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, and is desirable for many other science-based courses. Chemistry qualifications are highly regarded, so, with a Chemistry AS or Alevel, you could choose to follow a career in one of many other areas e.g. Architecture, Accountancy, Journalism, Computing and Teaching.

Course Content

Year 1

In the first year you will study three units one of which is a practical assessment unit.

Unit 1 is examined in January with an opportunity for a re-sit in June. This unit revisits and builds on the essential chemical ideas studied at GCSE and extends them further to covers some new ideas such as intermolecular forces and shapes of molecules.

Unit 2 is examined in June. This unit builds on ideas covered in unit 1 and introduces new topics in organic and physical chemistry.

Unit 3 is a practical assessment unit. Practical skills are developed throughout the year and are assessed at appropriate times, mainly in the second half of the year.

Year 2

In the second year you will build on the skills and knowledge developed in the first year. There are opportunities to re-sit AS units in January and June.

Unit 4 is examined in January with an opportunity to re-sit in June. This unit covers more advanced topics in organic chemistry and analytical techniques.

Unit 5 is examined in June and covers more advanced topics in inorganic and physical chemistry.

Unit 6 is a practical assessment unit. Practical skills are developed throughout the year and are assessed at appropriate times, mainly in the second half of the year.

Assessment

Apart from the practical assessment, all units are assessed by written exams.

Year 1

The coursework counts for 20% of the AS award. There is one 1hr exam in January and one 1 3/4hr exam in June

Year 2

The coursework counts for 10% of the A level grade.

There is one 1hr exam in January and one 1 3/4hr exam in June