Chemistry
Course Outline
The A-Level Chemistry course is externally assessed at the end of the two years. Students also complete the separate teacher-assessed Practical Endorsement. Like all A-Levels, Chemistry is a step up from GCSE with more independent study involved. However, statistics show that A-Level Chemistry is no harder than any other A-Level, and it offers a bright future for students after school!
Exam Board: OCR
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 GCSE Chemistry or Grade 6-6 Combined Science.
Grade 5 GCSE Mathematics.
Programme of Study
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:
- Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry:
- Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes. 100 marks (37%)
- Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques:
- Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes. 100 marks (37%)
- Paper 3: Unified chemistry:
- Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. 70 marks (26%)
For the Practical Endorsement, a minimum of twelve practicals will be assessed throughout the course, and students will be awarded a separate ‘pass’ or ‘not classified’ grade.
Progression Opportunities
Chemistry sits in the middle of the sciences, overlapping with Physics on one side and Biology on the other. It is important for the study of many science subjects and is essential for the study of medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, biology and biomedical sciences. It is also of direct relevance to careers in other medically-related areas, and courses such as Forensic and Environmental Science. It is also essential for Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering. Some Geography, Geology or Earth Sciences degree courses may require a mix of science subjects, and Chemistry can be one of them.