Chemistry

chemistry Chemistry - AS/A2

Exam Board: OCR

How do complex molecules function in living organisms?

How do we make medicines that can fight cancer?

How do we make new materials for faster computers and mobile phones?

How do we control and deal with pollution?

How can we generate energy more efficiently?

Is Chemistry for you? • You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including a GCSE grade BB in Double Award Science or grade B in Chemistry and one other separate Science subject. You will also need at least a grade B in GCSE Maths.

You may wish to consider studying AS/A2 Maths, AS Use of Maths or AS/A2 Statistics alongside this subject to help you develop the necessary mathematical skills required to study Chemistry.

You are interested in what the world around you is made of.

Chemistry supports topics taught in other sciences – such as Physics and Biology - allowing you to develop a deeper understanding.

An A-level in Chemistry is essential if you want to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science or Pharmacy at University.

What will I learn?

AS Year Atoms, Bonds and Groups You will examine how the properties of atoms relate to their position in the periodic table and how they react to form new substances. You will develop an understanding of how the properties of different substances are related to the atoms they are made from.

Chains, Energy and Resources This will provide you with an introduction to organic chemistry. You will develop an understanding of how the properties of organic molecules are influenced by the functional groups they contain and how we can use modern analytical techniques to identify and study molecules. You will also consider the problems that arise from our dependency on crude oil as a source of energy and synthetic materials.

Practical Skills 1 Throughout the course your experimental skills will be assessed by a series of practical assessments. This will contribute 20% towards your final AS mark (10% of overall A-level).

How will I be assessed?

Most of your work (80%) will be assessed through exams at the end of the AS and A2 years. Practical work (20%) will be assessed through a series of practical activities completed during lessons.

What activities can I get involved in?

Students can take advantage of range of enrichment activities; including Master classes at Liverpool University, Royal Society of Chemistry competitions, visiting speakers, visits to local employers such as Bristol Meyers Squibbs and Unilever. Many students take advantage of the opportunity to arrange work experience and in recent years several students have gained places on prestigious research apprenticeships.

The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.

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From the moment you are born Chemistry will have an impact on your life – from the quality of the air you breathe and the food you eat, through to the materials that make up your smart phone. Chemistry is the study of how atoms combine to make up all the substances that make up the world around us, from the rocks beneath our feet to the complex molecules that make up our bodies.

A2 Year Rings, Polymers and Analysis Building on your AS studies you will develop a deeper understanding of organic chemistry. A study of modern analytical techniques will enable you to interpret data from gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, infra-red spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analytical techniques.

Equilibria, Energetics and Elements You will develop an advanced understanding of how and why chemicals react in the ways they do including study of rates, equilibrium, pH, energy, electrochemistry and catalysts.

Practical Skills 2 Aseries of practical assessments contributing 20% to the A2 marks (10% of overall A-level).

Where does it lead?

By taking Chemistry AS or A Level, you develop valuable skills; including problem solving, numeracy and practical skills which can be applied across a range of subject disciplines. An A-level in Chemistry is essential if you want to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science or Pharmacy at University.

There are many interesting and rewarding chemistry-based jobs including pharmacology, chemical engineering, science journalism and patent law. The wider skills you develop while studying Chemistry are also valued in many other careers including management, accountancy, law, sales and marketing and ICT amongst others.

tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk

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