Entry requirements

You will need to have achieved GCSE Chemistry or Combined Science Grade 7 or better plus GCSE Maths Grade 7. In addition, due to the content of the new GCSE specifications, we recommend that pupils have taken separate sciences at GCSE.

Course title: Advanced GCE in Chemistry

Examination board: AQA

Subject codes: A Level 7405

Course content

A Level outline

At A Level, the specification develops the concepts of physical Chemistry, inorganic Chemistry and organic Chemistry, which have previously been introduced. In physical Chemistry, kinetic and equilibria principles are further developed and are now treated quantitatively, which includes applying complex equations. Periodicity is looked at in greater detail and the Transition Metals and their reactions form a large part of the inorganic Chemistry content. Organic Chemistry is re-visited as more complex mechanisms are studied, as well as nomenclature and isomerism.

Practical skills assessments

Practical assessments have been divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those that can only be directly assessed whilst students are carrying out experiments. A Level grades will be based only on marks from written exams. A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A Level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams.

A-level

Paper 1: (35% of A Level; 105 marks)

One 2 hour written exam

Relevant physical Chemistry topics, inorganic Chemistry and relevant practical skills will be assessed

This paper will include 105 marks of both short and long-answer questions

Paper 2: (35% of A Level; 105 marks)

One 2 hour written exam

Relevant physical Chemistry topics, organic Chemistry and relevant practical skills will be assessed

This paper will include 105 marks of both short and long-answer questions

Paper 3: (30% of A Level; 90 marks)

One 2 hour written exam

Any content and any practical skills will be assessed

This paper will include 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis, 20 marks of questions testing across the specification, 30 marks of multiple-choice questions

All three exams to be taken in June in Year 13

 Future progression

Most universities have BSc Chemistry (F100) courses or similar. All of the leading universities require A Level Chemistry grade A apart from Cambridge, Oxford, Durham and Edinburgh, which require A* and Belfast and Birmingham which requires a B (University of Birmingham offers foundation year for B grade applicants). Entry requirements for leading universities range from A*AA to ABB.

In addition to A Level Chemistry, most universities require Maths A Level and/or a second Science subject.

A degree in Chemistry can lead to careers in analytical Chemistry, chemical engineering, forensic science, medicine, the military, pharmaceuticals, research and development, space exploration, petroleum and natural gas, textiles, polymers and much more.

To succeed in Chemistry

You will need:

• to have a great enthusiasm to learn and study Chemistry
• to have a determination to succeed
• to be extremely resilient and resourceful when your studies become very challenging
• a very good understanding of maths
• strong practical, analytical and thinking skills.