Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry is the science concerned with the composition, structure, and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. It attempts to answer the question ‘What is the world made of?’ and the search for this answer is what makes chemistry so captivating.
Students will use and develop key skills in communication, application of number, ICT, decision making, team working, and problem solving. Thinking skills are developed through engagement in the processes of scientific enquiry.
Chemistry at A Level allows students to gain entry to degree courses in chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, forensic sciences, environmental sciences to name just a few. Other science degree courses will benefit from a background in A Level Chemistry.
Chemistry is a very versatile science that can lead to careers in Environmental Law, Pharmaceuticals, Space Exploration, Forensic Science, Medicine, Engineering, and much more!
Areas of Study
- Physical chemistry – Atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc, oxidation, reduction and redox equations, thermodynamics, rate equations, equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems, electrode potentials, electrochemical cells, acids and bases.
- Inorganic chemistry – Periodicity, Group 2: the alkaline earth metals, Group 7: the halogens, properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals and reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
- Organic chemistry – Introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis, isomerism, carbonyl compounds, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids and proteins, DNA
Entry Guidelines
In addition to the Sixth Form entry criteria, students wishing to study this subject are required to have a minimum grade 6 in Chemistry, or two grade 6 in Combined Science, plus grade 6 in Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent).
