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Chemistry

Presentation: 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.