Chemistry

  • Board: AQA
  • Syllabus: AS – 1421; A2 – 2421
Modules

  1. AS Foundation Chemistry – This deals with atomic structure, calculating the amount of substance, ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, the construction of the Periodic Table, organic chemistry and alkanes from crude oil.

  2. Chemistry in Action – This deals with collision theory and effect, definitions of reduction, redox properties of halogens and halide ions, the extraction of metals and haloalkanes and alkenes.

  3. Investigative and Practical Skills – An internal assessment that includes making observations and measurements, analysing and evaluating results.

  4. A2 Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry – This deals with acids and bases, nomenclature and isomerism in organic chemistry, compounds containing the carbonyl group, amines; base properties and nucleophilic properties, polymers, organic synthesis and analysis.

  5. Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry – This deals with thermodynamics, periodicity; reactions of Period 3 elements, redox equilibria and general properties of transition metals.

  6. Investigative and Practical Skills – An internal assessment that includes making observations and measurements, analysing and evaluating results.

Method of Assessment

AS Written exams of 1 hour 15 mins (16.5%) and 1 hour 45 mins (23.5%) and one Centre Assessed Unit (10%) in Investigative and Practical Skills

A2 Written exams of 1 hour 45 mins (20%) and 1 hours 45 mins (20%) and one Centre Assessed Unit (10%) in Investigative and Practical Skills

Further information

At AS-level you are given a solid grounding in foundation chemistry. The specification introduces the chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules and provides an understanding of their structures. The development and use of the Periodic Table is explained.

At A2, the specification develops concepts of physical chemistry introduced at AS. You will study kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formula and the structure of organic compounds. A Level Chemistry helps you develop a number of skills such as how to assemble data and assess it, investigate facts and use deduction, put your point of view fluently and work as a team to achieve results.

Chemistry is a great choice for anyone who wants a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, veterinary science, nursing, biochemistry, dentistry or forensic science. It will also equip you for a career in industry, for example in the petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries.