Chemistry A-level

OCR (H432)

Why choose this course?

Chemistry helps you to develop research, problemsolving and analytical skills. It helps you to challenge ideas and demonstrate your thinking through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry also helps you to develop teamwork and communication skills.

COURSE CONTENT MODULE TOPICS WITHIN THE MODULE

1 Development of practical skills in chemistry Key practical skills will be covered through practical tasks throughout the course

2 Foundations in chemistry Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations; Amount of substances; Acid-base and redox reactions; Electrons, bonding and structure 3 Periodic table and energy Trends in the Periodic table; Group 2 and the halogens; Qualitative analysis; Enthalpy changes; Reaction rates and equilibrium

4 Core organic chemistry Hydrocarbons; Alcohols and halogenoalkanes; Organic synthesis; Analytical techniques

5 Physical chemistry and transition elements

Reaction rates and equilibrium; pH and buffers; Enthalpy, entropy and free energy; Redox and electrode potentials; Transition elements 6 Organic chemistry and analysis Aromatic compounds; Carbonyl compounds; Carboxylic acids and esters; Nitrogen compounds; Polymers; Organic synthesis; Chromatography and spectroscopy

COURSE ASSESSMENT PAPER & DESCRIPTION

Paper 1 Periodic table, elements & physical chemistry Modules 1,2,3 & 5 MARKS

100 DURATION % OF A-LEVEL

2hr 15mins 37%

Paper 2 Synthesis & analytic techniques Modules 1,2,4 & 6 100 2hr 15mins 37%

Paper 3 Unified concepts Modules 1 - 6 70 1hr 30mins 26%

Practical endorsement: students will cover set practical tasks in which their skills will be assessed internally and in examination questions Pass/Fail Ongoing throughout the course Reported separately

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There will be opportunities to hear key speakers and take part in national competitions such as the Chemistry Olympiad. PROGRESSION ROUTES

Chemistry is a mandatory A-level for those who intend a career in medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy and useful in the study of nursing, psychology, medical sciences, human biology, biological sciences, sport science, agriculture, horticulture, forestry and associated undergraduate courses.