Chemistry

O V E R V I E W

Why choose Chemistry?

There are many reasons for studying Chemistry at A level. It is an obvious requirement if you want to study Chemistry, or related subjects such as biochemistry, pharmacy or chemical engineering at university, but you will also find it is essential for entry to Higher Education courses in a wide range of biological, medical, veterinary and agricultural subjects. In addition, there are many tertiary courses for which Chemistry would be acceptable, though not essential, as part of your combination of subjects.

Science is about explaining the behaviour of the universe and applying the knowledge for the benefit of mankind. In our A level Chemistry course, you will come closer to the fundamental reasons why atoms and molecules behave as they do, see how Chemistry is essential to a modern, technological and healthy society and feel some of the excitement of recent advances in chemistry, biochemistry and the science of materials. Britain continues to win Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, medicine and Biology.

How is the course assessed?

The content of the physical, inorganic and organic topics together with knowledge of relevant practical skills are examined in three papers, all at the end of Year 13. Competence in practical skills is assessed by teachers during normal lessons and is reported separately in the A level certificate but not graded.

Paper 1 -Inorganic and Physical Chemistry

Assessment is by a two-hour exam consisting of 105 marks from short and long questions which makes up 35% of the total A level mark. This assesses students on inorganic topics and relevant physical chemistry topics and practical skills

Paper 2 -Organic and Physical Chemistry

Assessment is by a two-hour exam consisting of 105 marks from short and long questions which makes up 35% of the total A level mark. This assesses students on organic topics and relevant physical chemistry topics and practical skills

Paper 3 -Chemistry

Assessment is by a two-hour exam consisting of 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis, 20 marks of questions testing across the specification and 30 marks of multiple choice questions. This makes up 30% of the A level mark.

Entry requirements

A GCSE grade 7 in Chemistry or in Science and Additional Science is the minimum required to apply for Chemistry A level. The mathematical demands of the course will be well within your scope if you have a GCSE Grade 6 or better in Mathematics. You will need to re-arrange and apply simple equations

Head of Department

Dr C J Gardener

Examination Board

AQA

Specification

7405