Chemistry
Chemistry is a fascinating science through which people have been able to improve our lives by developing new materials, investigating the causes of disease and helping to feed an expanding world population.
Sixth Form (Year 12-13)
Examination Board: AQA
Course Description
In A Level Chemistry students will study Physical Chemistry, looking in detail at Atomic Structure and investigating fundamental concepts such as Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics and Thermodynamics.
The course covers Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table, understanding the reactivity in certain groups.
Finally, students will learn Organic Chemistry, the study of the millions of covalent compounds of the element carbon, and how these structurally diverse compounds vary from naturally occurring petroleum fuels to DNA and the molecules in living systems. In lessons we embed our understanding of the principles and theory through regular practical sessions.
Assessment
Students opting for this subject will be committing to a two-year linear course, with all units examined at the end of Year 13. Practical work is embedded throughout the course and students must complete 12 required practical tasks. A pass or fail grading for practical skills is awarded. Assessment of practical skills is through questions in the exams at the end of the course.
Entry Requirements
A grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or a 6-5 in GCSE Combined Science is required.
A grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics is also required and students are encouraged to consider taking A Level Mathematics alongside Chemistry.
Where might it lead?
A Level Chemistry can help open doors to careers in:
- Analytical Chemistry Biological Sciences
- Biomedical
- Chemical Engineer
- Dentistry
- Environmental Chemist
- Food Science
- Forensic Science
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Student Destinations
Alex Scourfield
2024 Offers from
- University of Bath – Chemistry for Drug Discovery
- University of Oxford – Chemistry
- University of Southampton – Chemistry
- University of Surrey – Chemistry
- University of Warwick – Chemistry
Freya Morse
2024 Offers from:
- University of Bath: Biochemistry
- University of Birmingham: Biochemistry
- University of Bristol: Biochemistry
- Cardiff University: Biochemistry
- University of Sheffield: Biochemistry
