Chemistry – A Level

Special Entry Requirements

In addition to the A Level entry requirements, you will need grade 6 in GCSE Maths and grade 6 in GCSE Science.

Subject Intent

The chemistry curriculum at the college takes a content-led approach to developing learners’ knowledge and understanding of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry, building on the foundations laid at GCSE. The course helps learners to:

· develop appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.

· develop competence and confidence in mathematical and problem-solving skills.

· develop competence in practical skills such as making quantitative measurements, accurate observation of chemical changes, use of complex glassware setups for organic synthesis and purification, manipulation of reaction conditions to determine kinetic and equilibrium constants.

· develop interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.

Course Introduction

A level Chemistry is the key to understanding many scientific phenomena. The subject range includes study of the fundamental aspects of an atom – the key building blocks of elements and molecules whilst also exploring complex molecules essential to life such as DNA. The course develops essential practical skills needed to become a proficient scientist.

It is essential if you are planning to enter many well-paid professions including medicine, veterinary and pharmacy. Understanding chemistry helps you to understand more about the world around you from how colours are generated to how reactions occur in the atmosphere.

Chemistry is a hugely rewarding subject to study: it is straightforward, logical and has lots of fun experimental work.

Course Modules

Content is split into six teaching modules:

• Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
• Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
• Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
• Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
• Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
• Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

Development of practical skills in chemistry
This module is taught across both years and develops your practical skills. We start with the basics: how to make up solutions correctly, how to identify inorganic ions and determine the accurate concentration of a solution and builds to complicated experimental set-ups including setting up organic syntheses.

Foundations in chemistry
This is the first topic we teach. It starts with what you already know from GCSE, the structure of the atom, building and developing your knowledge of this and then developing your knowledge of chemical structures, shapes of molecules and bonding.

The periodic table and periodicity
After the first half term we start this module. Once again, we build on your GCSE knowledge of patterns in the periodic table and take an in-depth look at the chemistry Group 2 and the halogens. We then look at energy changes that occur in chemical reactions, the factors that affect how fast reactions occur, and why some reactions do not go to completion.

Core organic chemistry
After Christmas we start looking at the different families of organic compounds. We develop your knowledge of how to name the different types of organic chemicals, their reactions and how we can convert one organic chemical into another. This module finishes up looking at the modern analytical ways organic chemical structures are determined using mass spectrometry, NMR and IR spectroscopy.

Physical chemistry and transition elements
We begin year 2 by revisiting how fast reactions occur but develop this in a more quantitative way. We also revisit energy changes and extend this to include how disorder changes during a reaction. We take an in-depth look at the chemistry and reactions of the transition metals and finally we develop your knowledge of oxidation and reduction in the context of electrochemical cells.

Organic chemistry and analysis
The final module covers more organic chemistry and analysis. We look at the reactions of benzene and its derivatives, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and esters, organic compounds containing nitrogen and polymers. This module contains lots of opportunities to make, purify and identify new organic substances.

Assessment

The assessment involves 3 exam papers based on the modules studied in both years. A separate practical skills certificate is awarded by the examination board based on successful completion of practical experimental techniques.