Chemistry
CHEMISTRY
As and A2 LEVEL
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Grade B in GCSE Chemistry (Separate Science) or Grade B in Additional Science (Year 11) and Grade B in English and Maths. Ideally 'A’ level Chemistry will be studied as part of a course combined with other sciences such as Physics or Biology. A-level Mathematics is an advantage, but not essential. For practical work students will be provided with safety glasses, and they will be required to wear a laboratory coat which they must provide themselves.
AIMS
The A-level Chemistry course is intended to fulfil the needs of students:
- who hope to become professional chemists.
- or who need chemistry to support their choice of career.
- or who wish to study chemistry simply because they enjoy the subject and who wish to pursue their interest further.
ASSIGNMENTS
Short questions and experimental write-ups to review students understanding and grasp of new work.
Longer examination questions, to give students the opportunity to practise A-level standard questions. These are set at the end of each topic, and graded to monitor the student's progress.
Study tasks guide students through the interpretation of their experimental results. Reading tasks provide background material and it is hoped students will wish to 'read around' the subject to enhance their knowledge and understanding.
CONTENTS
The treatment of chemistry adopted is based upon three principles:
- The way in which energy transfers can determine the feasibility and outcome of reactions.
- The relationship between structure (both atomic and molecular) and the properties of substances.
- The use of the Periodic Table as a means of providing a unifying pattern for the diverse properties of elements and compounds.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
A-LEVEL
Module Tests at intervals during the course, plus a Synoptic Paper at the end of the course. Practical Assessments are conducted during the course, and are an integral part of normal practical activity. Students may resit Module Tests, if they wish to improve the grades achieved.
AS-LEVEL
Two Module Tests, plus internal practical assessment.
NOTE In addition to external examinations there will also be internal examinations in January.
USEFULNESS IN THE FUTURE
The study of Chemistry cultivates a flexible, scientific attitude which will enable the student to judge wisely when faced with unfamiliar problems, not only in Chemistry but in life generally.
Career opportunities are many, and wide-ranging. A-level Chemistry is accepted by all universities in their entry requirements.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE
Contact: Mrs Gauld or Miss Ross
