Chemistry - VI Form

Subjects

Chemistry


Why choose Chemistry?


Chemistry involves problem solving abilities, curiosity, independent thinking, practical competency, numeracy, fluency in scientific literacy and the confidence to take academic risks, make mistakes but learn from them in a similar manner as pioneer Chemists of the past. Chemistry is wanting to understand and quantify the reason behind a colour change, the smell of an organic compound, the physical properties of chemicals and many more!


Chemistry gives you the knowledge and skill which are transferable to many areas. Universities and employers favour potential candidates that have succeeded in A Level Chemistry, as it evidences the range of skills that they possess.


What study skills do you need?


To succeed in Chemistry you will need to enjoy a challenge. You will need to be able to work on your own, as part of a team, be well-organised, persistent and mathematically competent. You will need to be able to write clear and concisely in English for the requirement to write practical reports, explain and describe chemical processes. You will understand and demonstrate safe experimental practices as well as developing the quantitative and qualitative skills to support the theory. You will enjoy the experience of spending time on problem solving, developing qualities of determination, diligence and perseverance.


What are the aims of the course?


By studying Chemistry you will begin to appreciate how Chemistry has shaped our world; from the clothing that we wear, the use of fuels and plastics, the ingredients needed to preserve food, to the medication we require to remain healthy and cure illnesses.


GCSE requirements


Minimum grade 7 in Chemistry or 7-7 in Combined Science. Minimum grade 6 in English Language and Mathematics.


Course Content


The first year Chemistry course covers atomic structure, bonding, periodicity, titrations, mole calculations, groups 1, 2 and 7, redox, rates of reaction, equilibrium, energetics, kinetics, organic chemistry and synthesis of alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes and alcohols, mass spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy.


In the second year, we study lattice enthalpy, entropy, acid-base equilibria, further redox, transitional metals, further quantitative titrations and kinetics, chirality, further organic chemistry and synthesis, carbon and hydrogen nuclear magnetic synthesis, and chromatography.


The A level components are


The A level is assessed through three written examination papers. These papers include multiple choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.


  • Paper 1 – This paper (1 hour and 45 minutes, total 90 marks) focusses on Advanced Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and is worth 30% of the course.
  • Paper 2 – This paper (1 hour and 45 minutes, total 90 marks) focusses on Advanced Physical and Organic Chemistry and is worth 30% of the course.
  • Paper 3 – This paper (2 hour and 30 minutes, total 120 marks) focusses on General and Practical Principles of Chemistry and is worth 40% of the course.


Students are required to carry out a series of practicals over the two year course with the aim to assess key competencies and in preparation for the paper 3 examination.


Further education and career opportunities


A Level Chemistry opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in many sectors. Popular degrees course include Medicine, Law, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Dentistry, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Architecture, Psychology, Biology, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Accounting and Economics, Business Management, Sport Science, Food Science, Polymer Science and Materials Science.


Related activities


Chemistry Olympiad