Chemistry

Examination Board: AQA

The main reason to study A-level Chemistry should be that you are interested in Chemistry and the associated practical work. The course provides the opportunity to gain appropriate knowledge and understanding, and encourages the appreciation of interlinking patterns which are a distinguishing feature of the subject. You will be shown the interrelationship between the development of the subject and its application (social, economic, environmental and technological), and be able to recognise the value of Chemistry to society and how it may be used responsibly. You will develop skills in laboratory procedures and practical techniques, and will be encouraged to think both imaginatively and critically.

The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills inherent in GCSE. It is expected that students will be capable mathematicians. The qualification integrates theory and relevant practical work, which are developed at different levels throughout the course.

Students will need to be able to communicate effectively, research and think critically about chemical problems. Chemistry offers many career opportunities; both within the chemical industry and as the basis for a more general career in business and the financial world. As a qualification, Chemistry is highly regarded as a sound basis for employment. Demand for chemists is high, and opportunities for Chemistry graduates have been increasing. Chemistry graduates are increasingly sought after to work in pharmaceutical, oil, chemical, engineering and textile companies, but the range of opportunities also spans the food industry, optical and photographic industries and hospitals. Alternatively, you could follow a degree course in Medicine or Veterinary Science.

A-level Chemistry Paper 1: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry

Content

■ Inorganic Chemistry ■ Relevant practical skills ■ Relevant physical Chemistry topics such as:  Atomic structure  Amount of substance  Bonding  Energetics  Equilibria  Acids and bases  Redox

Questions

■ 105 marks, with a mixture of short and long answer questions

A-level Chemistry Paper 2: Organic and Physical Chemistry

Content

■ Organic Chemistry ■ Relevant practical skills ■ Relevant physical Chemistry topics such as: Amount of substance Bonding Energetics Equilibria Kinetics

Questions

■ 105 marks, with a mixture of short and long answer questions

A-level Chemistry Paper 3: Practical Skills, Data Handling and Synopsis

Content

■ All content ■ All practical skills

Questions

■ 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis ■ 20 marks of questions testing across the specification ■ 30 marks of multiple choice questions