About the course

Essential for those who intend to progress to University to study Medicine, Dentistry and other science degrees, A Level Chemistry looks at materials: why they have the properties and characteristics we see, and why and how they react with the environment. With an emphasis on practical skills, you will gain an insight into the behaviour of different elements and compounds. You’ll develop knowledge, skills and understanding of scientific methods as well as a competence and confidence in practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills.

Start Date/s

01/09/2025

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above which includes:English and Mathematics, Grade 6 in Chemistry or Grade 66 in Dual Science

Think about studying alongside: Biology | Environmental Science | Geography | Geology | Mathematics | Physics | Psychology

Modules

Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry •Practical skills assessed in a written examination •Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement Year 1: 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) Year 2: 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) Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement which are a series of 12 required lab practicals set by OCR and assessed over the two years.

Assessment

Throughout this course you will be assessed in the following ways; - Through completion of weekly homework - End of topic assessments - Formal assessments - End of year externally marked exam papers. Year 1 - 2 papers - Breadth in Chemistry - Depth in Chemistry Year 2 - 3 papers - Periodic table, elements and physical Chemistry - Synthesis and analytical techniques - Unified Chemistry

Careers & Progression

Medicine, Research Scientist, Forensic Chemist, Optician, Pharmacist, Environmental Scientist, Dentist, Chemical Technician, Chemical Engineer.

Additional Details