Chemistry

Chemistry

Why choose Chemistry?

Chemistry involves problem solving abilities, curiosity, independent thinking, practical competency, numeracy, fluency in scientific literacy and the confidence to take academic risks, make mistakes but learn from them in a similar manner as pioneer Chemists of the past. Chemistry is wanting to understand and quantify the reason behind a colour change, the smell of an organic compound, the physical properties of chemicals and many more!

Chemistry gives you the knowledge and skill which are transferable to many areas. Universities and employers favour potential candidates that have succeeded in A Level Chemistry, as it evidences the range of skills that they possess.

What are the aims of the course?

By studying Chemistry, you will begin to appreciate how Chemistry has shaped our world; from the clothing that we wear, the use of fuels and plastics, the ingredients needed to preserve food, to the medication we require to remain healthy and cure illnesses. 

A Level Chemistry will allow you to understand and demonstrate safe experimental practices as well as developing the quantitative and qualitative skills to support scientific theory. The curriculum will teach you to enjoy the experience of spending time on problem solving, developing qualities of determination, diligence and perseverance. 

Chemistry gives you the knowledge and skill which are transferable to many areas. To succeed in Chemistry, you will need to enjoy a challenge which is why Universities and employers favour potential candidates that have succeeded in A Level Chemistry, as it evidences the range of skills that they possess. 

What study skills do you need?

Time management: Chemistry has a broad and deep syllabus which requires planning a forethought to cover. You will need to learn how to balance your academic responsibilities with your social life. You will also need to practise time management when preparing for your exams. This is an important life skill. 

Enhancing your practical skills: The A level Chemistry curriculum provides a rich practical experience to develop your scientific curiosity, with twelve required practical experiments embedded throughout the course. 

Enhancing your analytical skills: Throughout the Chemistry A level, you will analyse and interpret data as evidence for judgements and conclusions. Improved analytical skills make you a strong problem-solver, more detail-oriented, and more meticulous, logical and structured in the way you work and present information. 

Enhancing your evaluative skills: Students will also be expected to evaluate experimental practices to develop and refine practical design and procedures. 

Enhanced fluency in scientific literacy: Each of the twelve required practical investigations is summarised in lab reports that evidence observations and conclusions. A Level Chemistry is also partially assessed by extended writing questions that explain key concepts. 

Numeracy: Overall, at least 20% of the marks in assessments for Chemistry will require the use of mathematical skills. These skills will be applied in the context of Chemistry and include the handling of both qualitative and quantitative data. Mathematical skills embedded in the course will be at least the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics. 

Improved theoretical and practical application: Problem-solving is as much about identifying an issue as producing sound ways to break it down, analyse it and produce solutions. Problem-solving is a skill that is needed in many careers and life scenarios. A level Chemistry allows you to develop both theoretical and practical understanding of a concepts, which is a powerful advantage when problem solving. 

Improved interpersonal skills: This may come as a surprise, but it’s true! By studying A-level Chemistry, you will sometimes be required to work in teams, which requires good communication and social skills. Studying A-levels is a great time to form study groups. Here, you will practice presentation skills, speaking to groups of people, and learning how to communicate ideas and concepts in a way that other people find engaging and informative. You will also learn to become comfortable with the important skill of asking for help. Learn to use the wealth of knowledge from your classmates and teachers by asking for assistance! 

GCSE requirements

Minimum grade 7 in Chemistry or 7-7 in Combined Science. Minimum grade 6 in English Language and Mathematics.

Course Content

The course is divided into topics under Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. These topics are assessed across three exams: 

3.1 Physical chemistry 

3.1.1 Atomic structure 

3.1.2 Amount of substance 

3.1.3 Bonding 

3.1.4 Energetics 

3.1.5 Kinetics 

3.1.6 Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc 

3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations 

3.1.8 Thermodynamics (A-level only) 

3.1.9 Rate equations (A-level only) 

3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems (A-level only) 

3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only) 

3.1.12 Acids and bases (A-level only) 

3.2 Inorganic chemistry 

3.2.1 Periodicity 

3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals 

3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens 

3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only) 

3.2.5 Transition metals (A-level only) 

3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only) 

3.3 Organic chemistry 

3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry 

3.3.2 Alkanes 

3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes 

3.3.4 Alkenes 

3.3.5 Alcohols 

3.3.6 Organic analysis 

3.3.7 Optical isomerism (A-level only) 

3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only) 

3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only) 

3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry (A-level only) 

3.3.11 Amines (A-level only) 

3.3.12 Polymers (A-level only) 

3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only) 

3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A-level only) 

3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (A-level only) 

3.3.16 Chromatography (A-level only) 

A more detailed explanation of the AQA course curriculum across AS and A level Chemistry can be found by following this link: Course curriculum. 

A more detailed explanation of the AQA assessment schedule can be found by following this link: Scheme of Assessment. 

Higher education and career opportunities

An A-Level in Chemistry opens doors to a diverse range of further education and career opportunities, both directly and indirectly related to the field. Here is a breakdown of the possibilities: 

University Degrees: Chemistry serves as a solid foundation for various university degrees, including: 

• Chemistry (including specialized branches like organic, inorganic, analytical, or physical chemistry) 
• Biochemistry 
• Chemical Engineering 
• Materials Science 
• Pharmacy 
• Medicine 
• Environmental Science 
• Food Science 
• Forensic Science 

Career Opportunities: 

• Chemist: Conducting research and development in various industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, materials, food, or environmental science. 
• Doctor: Chemistry is a keystone subject for understanding how the human body works and how it interacts with pathogens and treatments. 
• Analytical Chemist: Analysing the composition and properties of materials in laboratories for quality control, research, or forensic investigations. 
• Forensic Scientist: Applying chemical knowledge to analyse evidence in criminal investigations. 
• Pharmacologist: Studying the effects of drugs on living organisms, contributing to drug development and testing. 
• Chemical Engineer: Designing and optimizing chemical processes for efficient and safe production of chemicals, materials, and fuels. 
• Biotechnologist: Applying biological and chemical principles to develop new products and technologies in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sectors. 
• Teacher: Inspiring future generations by teaching chemistry in schools or colleges. 
• Science writer: Communicating scientific concepts and research findings effectively to a wider audience. 
• Environmental Consultant: Utilising knowledge of chemistry to address environmental issues like pollution or sustainability. 
• Patent Attorney: Using understanding of chemistry to advise on intellectual property rights related to chemical inventions. 

Related activities

Chemistry Olympiad

Educational trip to CERN – Large Hadron Collider