Chemistry
Chemistry is involved in everything around you, all that you can see, touch, taste and smell is because of Chemistry - it really is the Science of the senses!
Chemistry is known as the central Science because of the many links it shares with both Biology and Physics and because it impacts on every aspect of our lives.
Chemistry is an exciting and interesting subject which is also academically demanding and as such it is highly regarded by universities and employers.
An A level in Chemistry presents an opportunity to work or study in many fields such as Chemical engineering, Materials Science or Biotechnology to name a few. Chemistry is also the one subject that is a requirement in order to study Medicine or Veterinary Science.
The A Level course explores Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry through a combination of theory and practicals to develop understanding of scientific principles and an awareness of the advances and responsibilities of Chemistry in society.
If you are interested in learning more about this fundamental Science and you are an ambitious and conscientious student we would welcome you onto the course (providing the entry requirements are met).
COURSE CONTENTS:
Content
| |
Year 12 | Year 13 |
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry Practical skills assessed in a written examination Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations Amount of substance Acid–base and redox reactions Electrons, bonding and structure
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy The periodic table and periodicity Group 2 and the halogens Qualitative analysis Enthalpy changes Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)
Module 4 – Core organic chemistry Basic concepts Hydrocarbons Alcohols and haloalkanes Organic synthesis Analytical techniques (IR and MS) | Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative) pH and buffers Enthalpy, entropy and free energy Redox and electrode potentials Transition elements
Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis Aromatic compounds Carbonyl compounds Carboxylic acids and esters Nitrogen compounds Polymers Organic synthesis Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR) |
Assessment:
- Three written examinations at the end of year 13
- A practical endorsement, which is mandatory which will not count towards the A Level grade but is reported alongside it.
Paper | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Modules | 1,2,3 &5 | 1,2,4 &6 | 1-6 |
Marks available | 100 | 100 | 70 |
Percentage | 37 | 37 | 26 |
Time | 2hr 15 | 2hr 15 | 1 hr 30 |
Link to Specification:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce/chemistry-a-h032-h432-from-2015/
For further details please contact Head of Chemistry - Sarah Clarke (sck@pershore.worcs.sch.uk)
A selection of websites to help with your independent study:
https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/past-papers/a-level-chemistry/ (past papers)
https://s-cool.co.uk/a-level/chemistry (revision notes and past papers)
https://www.chemguide.co.uk/ (revision notes)
https://studywise.co.uk/a-level-revision/chemistry/ (revision notes and resources)
https://mathsmadeeasy.co.uk/a-level-chemistry-revision/ (past papers and revision resources)
MaChemGuy - YouTube (videos of each topic)
OCR AS and A Level Chemistry Revision Notes | A-Level Chemistry (past papers and revision notes, basic option is free)