A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY - AQA

Introduction

A Level Chemistry is a course for those students who are enthusiastic and enjoy Chemistry. There are seven lessons a week for the AS course and six lessons plus an independent study lesson for the A2 course, two of those being practical lessons.

Assessment Framework

The A level Chemistry course consists of four theory modules, which build upon the good foundations that you will have established at GCSE. The theory is assessed in unit examinations. There are two theory units assessed in the first year for AS and two in the second year for A2. The module marks are kept in the bank with the examination board until the end of the course when you are awarded a grade based upon the best module marks achieved during the two years work. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course for both AS and A level.

Description of Teaching and Learning:

Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry-which includes structure and bonding, atomic structure, the periodic table, mole calculations and basic organic chemistry.

Unit 2: Chemistry in Action – which includes rates, oxidation and reduction, the halogens, the extraction of metals, alkenes and haloalkanes.

Unit 3: Practical Skills.

Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry-which includes acids and bases, carbonyl chemistry, amines, polymers and organic synthesis.

Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry- which includes reactions of period 3 elements, transition metals, thermodynamics and redox.

Unit 6: Practical Skills

Links to Future Careers

Are you interested in Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law, Nursing or Forensic Science? Then maybe Chemistry is for you.

Higher Education Successes of Former Students

Former students have gone on to study Chemistry, Dentistry, History of Art, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy etc at Higher Education level.

Additional Information

The Advanced Extension Award is also available in Chemistry. This is examined at the end of the A-level course.

Please see Mrs Fitchett (Head of Chemistry)