A Level Chemistry

Entry Requirements:

Grade 7 in GCSE Chemistry and Biology or Physics

Grade 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science

Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language

Preferably studied in conjunction with Biology, Physics or Mathematics

Exam Board: OCR Specification A

Course content:

Year 12 Topic 1: Practical skills assessed in a written examination

Topic 2: Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations

Topic 3: Amount of substance

Topic 4: Acid-base and redox reactions

Topic 5: Electrons, bonding and structure

Topic 6: The periodic table and periodicity

Topic 7: Group 2 and the halogens

Topic 8: Quantitative analysis

Topic 9: Enthalpy changes

Topic 10: Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

Topic 11: Basic concepts in organic chemistry

Topic 12: Hydrocarbons

Topic 13: Alcohols and haloalkanes

Topic 14: Organic synthesis

Topic 15: Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Year 13

Topic 16: Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)

Topic 17: pH and buffers

Topic 18: Enthalpy, entropy and free energy

Topic 19: Redox and electrode potentials

Topic 20: Transition elements

Topic 21: Aromatic compounds

Topic 22: Carbonyl compounds

Topic 23: Carboxylic acids and esters

Topic 24: Nitrogen compounds

Topic 25: Polymers

Topic 26: Organic synthesis

Topic 27: Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

Assessment:

Internal Mock Assessment in Year 12

Paper 1: Breadth in chemistry 1 hour 30 minutes (written paper) Questions: This paper will examine topics 1-15 The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response and calculations.

Paper 2: Depth in chemistry 1 hour 30 minutes (written paper) Questions: This paper will examine topics 1-15 The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response and calculations and extended writing questions.

Assessment by public examination in Year 13

Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry 37% of A level (100 marks) 2 hours 15 minutes (written paper) Questions: This paper will examine topics 1-10 and 16-27. The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics listed.

Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques 37% of A level (100 marks) 2 hours 15 minutes (written paper) Questions: This paper will examine topics 1-15 and 21-27. The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics listed.

Paper 3: Unified chemistry 26% of A level (70 marks) 1 hour 30 minutes (written paper) Questions: This paper will examine topics 1--27. All papers may include short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.

Career value

Chemistry is a necessity for those wishing to study medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, forensics and biological subjects at university. It is an excellent subject to compliment Physics and Mathematics for those wishing to study engineering. Key skills as well as covering advanced level study of Chemistry, this course will enable you to develop the following key skills which will be essential to you whatever progression route you choose: · Communication · Application of numbers · Information Technology · Working with others and independently · Problem solving