Chemistry
AS / A2 Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of materials: what they are made of, how they interact with each other and their surroundings, and the role they play in living things. As such, chemistry occupies a central position in science, linking disciplines from mathematics to medicine, and affects every aspect of our lives. In fact the benefits of chemistry are so numerous and all pervading that we often take them for granted. Our clothes, the food we eat, even the celebratory drink when exams are over, all have been improved by people studying chemistry.
AS
You will study the following topics:
- Atoms
- Moles and equations
- Acids, bases and salts
- Redox reactions
- Electronic structure
- Bonding and the structures of molecules
- Shapes of molecules
- Patterns in the periodic table
- Group 2 and group 7 of the periodic table
- Alkanes, alkenes and polymers
- Alcohols and halogenoalkanes
- Modern analytical techniques
- Enthalpy changes in reactions
- Rates of reaction
- Chemical equilibrium
- Chemistry of the air and green chemistry
- Practical skills
A2
You will study the following topics:
- Arenes
- Carbonyls, carboxylic acids and esters
- Amines
- Amino acids and proteins
- Polyesters and polyamides
- Synthesis of organic compounds
- Chromatography and spectroscopy
- Rates of reaction
- Chemical equilibrium
- Acids, bases, buffers and pH
- Lattice enthalpy
- Enthalpy and entropy
- Electrode potentials and fuel cells
- The transition elements
Assessment
We currently offer the OCR (A) course for both AS and A level.
For AS level, students will be taught two units as well as undertaking three practical skills tasks which make up the third unit.
The first unit will be examined in January of the first year and is worth 30% of the total AS mark. Unit 2 is examined in June of the first year and is worth 50% of the total AS mark. The practical skills tasks are performed throughout the year at appropriate points in the syllabus. This unit makes up the remaining 20% of the total AS marks.
Students who continue onto the second year in Chemistry will be taught a further two units and complete a second set of practical skills tasks.
The first of these units will be examined in January, the second in June. Again, the practical skills tasks are performed throughout the year at appropriate points in the syllabus. Unit 4 carries 15% of the total A level mark, Unit 5 carries 25% and Unit 6 carries the remaining 10% of the total marks.
Subject Combinations
It is possible to take Chemistry along side most subjects but most students wanting to continue onto A2 find it particularly useful to have studied AS Maths.
A large number of our students also study Biology and/or Physics, finding some degree of connection between Chemistry and each of these subjects as the courses progress.
Entry Requirements
Students enrolling for AS Chemistry should have studied either GCSE Core and Additional Science or GCSE Chemistry. Due to the mathematical nature of some topics, students are expected to have at least grade B in Higher Level GCSE Maths prior to starting the Chemistry course.
The Next Step
Chemistry, as the study of all materials, is vital to every aspect of our lives. Not surprisingly, careers in chemistry are exciting and enjoyable with lots of variety and opportunities, for example:
Discovering a new life saving drug. Providing solutions for disease, hunger and environmental problems. Improving living conditions.
Chemistry is often called the central science because it links with all other sciences and underpins many branches of technology from the silicone chip to brewing. If you are thinking of university, look at a list of requirements for a range of university subjects. You will soon see why chemistry is a good choice if you want to keep your options open. For example, to take medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, Chemistry is considered more important than Biology. Even if you do not plan to make a career in Chemistry, the subject gives you excellent training for other jobs. To be successful in Chemistry you need to be able to think logically, and be creative, numerate, and analytical. These skills are sought after in many walks of life, and will enable you to pursue a career in such diverse areas as finance, law and purchasing. Chemists make good managers, and they can put their specialist knowledge to work as consultants or technicians.
