Chemistry

 ADVANCED LEVEL EDEXCEL

 
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking the course?
 
You have to have enjoyed your studies of chemistry at GCSE, be confident using numbers and with your practical skills. It is preferable that you achieve A* - B in Chemistry or additional science GCSE. 

  

Structure
 

This course consists of integrated practical and theory work covering the main themes of:

  • Energy
  • Structure and Bonding
  • Reaction Rates
  • Equilibria
  • Applications
  • Organic and inorganic chemistry
  • Acid/base reactions

These themes are developed at different levels through the course and build on the process skills inherent in GCSE.

Students will study aspects of chemistry that are often in the media and affect their lives. These areas include climate change, green chemistry, pharmaceuticals and chemistry research. Students will deepen their knowledge of chemical reactions and be able to understand why they work and when they will occur. Your experimental skills will be developed.

AS

Unit 1

  • The Core Principles of Chemistry: multiple choice and structured questions.

Unit 2

  • Application of Core Principles: multiple choice and structured questions.

Unit 3

  • Laboratory Skills: internal practical assessment.
 

A2

Unit 4

  • Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry; multiple choice, structured questions, data handling.

Unit 5

  • Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry; multiple choice and structured questions.

Unit 6

Laboratory Skills: internal practical assessment.

  

Assessment
 
Assessment comprises of two components, written work and practical work (continuous assessment taken as a routine part of the course - planning, carrying-out and interpreting).
AS
 
Unit 1 written paper (40 %)
Unit 2 written paper (40%)
Unit 3 ISA (as for GCSE) with practical and written assessment (20%) 
A2
 
Unit 4 written paper (40 %)
Unit 5 written paper (40 %)
Unit 6 ISA (as for GCSE) with practical and written assessment (20%)

 

Career Opportunities
 
An A Level in Chemistry can lead to further study and ultimately a career in a wide range of occupations in industries such as oil, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food. A Level in chemistry is essential for medicine, veterinary science and dentistry. Banking and financial institutions recognise chemistry as a highly numerate and rigorous A-Level.