A-Level

Chemistry

Science: Chemistry

Entry Criteria

English GCSE

Grade 6

Maths GCSE

Grade 6

Science GCSE

Grade 7

in Combined or Separate

Careers

A-Level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question what is the world made of? and it is the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that chemistry provides are endless. Studying an A-Level Chemistry related degree at university gives you all sorts of exciting career options, including: analytical chemist, chemical engineer, clinical biochemist, pharmacologist, doctor, research scientist (physical sciences), toxicologist, chartered certified accountant, environmental consultant, higher education lecturer, patent attorney, science writer and secondary school teacher. 

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Course ID
AQA 7405
Faculty
Science
Department
Chemistry
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
S. Owen
Head of Department
J. Jones
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
Science: Chemistry

Course Overview

Students embarking on the A-Level Chemistry journey will find themselves diving into a vibrant and dynamic field that is both challenging and rewarding. This course provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the intricate world of chemicals and their interactions while building on the foundational knowledge acquired at GCSE.

Students will engage in 12 core practicals that span various investigative topics, allowing them to develop essential laboratory skills. These hands-on experiences will empower them to manipulate, analyse, and evaluate data effectively, preparing them for future scientific endeavours. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to include a programme of study that delves into three core areas: physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. Each of these areas is enriched with a wide array of topics that not only deepen students’ understanding of chemical principles but also emphasise real-world applications.

In addition to enhancing theoretical knowledge, the A-Level Chemistry course focuses on cultivating vital analytical and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is carefully crafted to reflect the evolving landscape of chemistry, ensuring that students are well-versed in contemporary practices and applications.

Assessment is structured across three papers, providing a comprehensive evaluation of students’ understanding and practical skills.

  • Paper 1 focuses on inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as practical skills, allowing students to showcase their knowledge in these fundamental areas.
  • Paper 2 shifts to organic and physical chemistry, reinforcing the connections between these topics and their real-world implications.
  • Paper 3 offers a more integrative approach, assessing any content and practical skills covered throughout the course, encouraging students to demonstrate their overall proficiency.

To achieve the A-Level qualification, students will be assessed on all content learned throughout Years 12 and 13, with three terminal examinations held at the end of Year 13 that test their comprehensive understanding and application of chemistry concepts.

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 C1 Atomic Structure
C3 Bonding
C1 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C3 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Autumn 2 C2 Amount of substance.
C5 Kinetics.
C11 Introduction to organic chemistry.
C2 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C5 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C11 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 1 C4 Energetics
C6 Chemical equilibria
C12 Alkanes
C13 Halogenoalkanes
C4 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C6 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C12 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C13 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 2 C7 Oxidation, reduction and redox
C9 Group 2, the Alkali Earth Metals
C14 Alkenes
C15 Alcohols
C7 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C9 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C14 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C15 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Summer 1 C10 Group 7, the Halogens.
C16 Organic analysis.
C8 Periodicity.
C10 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C16 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C8 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Summer 2 Revision for Year 12.
C17 Thermodynamics (‘A’ Level).
Year 12 mock exams.
C17 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 C21 Acids and Bases
C25 Optical isomerism
C26 Aldehydes and ketones, Carboxylic acids and derivatives
C18 Rate equations
C21 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C25 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C26 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C18 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Autumn 2 C20 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
C27 Aromatic chemistry
C28 Amines
C29 Polymers
C30 Amino acids, proteins and DNA
C20 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C27 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C28 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C29 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C30 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 1 C23 Transition metals
C24 Reactions of ions in aqueous Solution
C19 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
C32 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
C23 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C24 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C19 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C32 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 2 C22 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
C33 Chromatography
C31 Organic synthesis
C22 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C33 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
C31 end of chapter test and continuous teacher assessment.
Summer 1 Revision.  
Summer 2 ‘A’ Level Examination. ‘A’ Level Examination.

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Kerboodle; A Level Chemistry; Knock Hardy. AQA Chemistry A Level; The New Scientist; Chemistry World; Nature Chemistry. The Wellcome building, Euston; The Natural History Museum; The Science Museum.  

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Kerboodle; A Level Chemistry; Knock Hardy. AQA Chemistry A Level; The New Scientist; Chemistry World; Nature Chemistry. The Wellcome building, Euston; The Natural History Museum; The Science Museum.