Chemistry

Level 3 / A-Level Programmes

The A level in Chemistry is your passport to exploring the secrets of atoms, molecules, and reactions. In the AS level, you’ll uncover the mysteries of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and organic chemistry, delving into everything from formulas to the periodic table. As you progress to the A2 level, you’ll tackle kinetics, equilibria, and dive deeper into the fascinating world of organic chemistry. The core practical experiments of the International A level are covered in depth within the course, and assessed via examination paper. Whether you dream of becoming a chemist, researcher, or simply want to understand the chemistry of the world around you, this qualification is your chance to unravel the molecules of life.

A-Level Chemistry

This course demands an enthusiasm for chemistry, a commitment to work hard and an ability to work independently and take responsibility for your own progress, but the effort is rewarded by a well-regarded qualification. Practical work is an important aspect of the course. A significant part of the written A Level exams is indirect assessment of practical skills. Practical skills are also assessed directly for the separate Practical Endorsement. A pass in the Practical Endorsement is an entry requirement for many university courses.

Chemistry is the study of the elements and their compounds. It is a basic science, key to understanding the world we live in and a practical science with an enormous number and variety of important applications.

The course is divided into topics, each containing different key concepts of chemistry. Once the main features of a topic have been developed, applications are considered. The delivery methods include lectures, laboratory work and group work, with regular homework being set which plays an important part of the learning process. Emphasis throughout the course is on developing knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving.

Examination Specifications

This course is available with two examination boards and specifications:
1. UK Students: Edexcel 9CH0
2. International Students: Edexcel YCH11
* Please note that OCR is only available to UK students and there is a practical element. If you have already passed this, it can be transferred over. If you have not passed it, you will need to sit the practical elements with a provider. We can help coordinate this for you.

Curriculum: UK Students - A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry

Chemistry is a practical subject and the development of practical skills is fundamental to understanding the nature of chemistry. Practical skills are embedded throughout the course. Skills in planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating are assessed in the written examinations. Skills in the use of a wide range of apparatus and techniques, use and application of scientific methods and practices, independent thinking, and research and referencing are assessed through a minimum of 12 practicals for the Practical Endorsement.

Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry

This module builds on ideas studied at GCSE and develops a platform of key concepts in chemistry. During this module you will learn about:

Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
Amount of substance
Acid-base and redox reactions
Electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3: Periodic Table and Energy

This module is an introduction to inorganic and physical chemistry. During this module you will learn about:

The periodic table and periodicity
Group 2 and the halogens
Qualitative analysis
Enthalpy changes
Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry

This module is an introduction to organic chemistry. During this module you will learn about:

Basic concepts
Hydrocarbons
Alcohols and haloalkanes
Organic synthesis
Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Module 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements

This module builds on ideas studied in Year 1. During this module you will learn about:

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

This module builds on ideas studied in Year 1. During this module you will learn about:

Aromatic compounds
Carbonyl compounds
Carboxylic acids and esters
Nitrogen compounds
Polymers
Organic synthesis
Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

*Please note that unit information is subject to change depending on examinations board.

Curriculum: International Students - A-Level Chemistry (YCH11)

Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Formulae, Equations and Amount of Substance
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Bonding and Structure
Introductory Organic Chemistry and Alkanes
Alkenes

Unit 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols

Energetics
Intermolecular Forces
Redox Chemistry and Groups 1, 2 and 7
Introduction to Kinetics and Equilibria
Organic Chemistry: Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Spectra

Unit 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I

Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 1 and 2

Unit 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry

Kinetics
Entropy and Energetics
Chemical Equilibria
Acid-base Equilibria
Organic Chemistry: Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Chirality

Unit 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry

Redox Equilibria
Transition Metals and their Chemistry
Organic Chemistry: Arenes
Organic Nitrogen Compounds: Amines, Amides, Amino Acids and Proteins
Organic Synthesis

Unit 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry II

Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 4 and 5

For more information take a look at the Edexcel International Chemistry A level Specification: click here

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels:

5 GCSEs at grade 5 or higher, including English Language and Maths

Please note:

BTEC or vocational qualifications will not be accepted in place of GCSEs

Additional Requirements

9-5 in Maths
9-5 in Biology if taking separate sciences
9-5 in Double Science / Core Science AND Additional Science (not applied or vocational Science)

If you do not meet these requirements, please get in touch. We may have some solutions for you.

Career/Academic Pathways

Many of our science A Level students progress to university to continue their studies in a variety of course areas, including (but not limited to):

Biology
Chemistry
Dentistry
Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Sciences
Nursing
Medicine/Biomedical Sciences
Psychology

Department Contact

Hotline : (+44) 161 647 7090

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