Contact : Dr N Green

Exam Board & Code : OCR H034 and H434

Course : 2 Years to full A level

 

What is Chemistry A level about?

Advanced Level Chemistry is divided into three sections; physical, organic and inorganic chemistry.  In Year 12 you will learn the basic concepts and in Year 13 you will be learning to link these different areas of chemistry together.  Practical skills form an integral part of the theoretical topics and are examined separately.

 

Is this course for me?

Students are required to have at least GCSE grade BB in Core and Additional Science or a B in GCSE Chemistry and at least a C in Mathematics before starting the course.  Chemistry is a demanding course and students without these desired grades would find the work very challenging.

What else do I need to know?

Students will be expected to gain the necessary skills via regular practical sessions, lectures and discussions.  To be successful students will need to carry out extensive background reading and research into topics covered in lessons.

 

What do other students say?

“If you enjoy Chemistry, do the A Level.  It is a hard course, but it opens up many careers and University courses to you.”

“It is a hard but interesting course.”

Where could it lead?

Chemistry is a requirement for those thinking of doing Medicine, Veterinary Science, Natural Sciences, Research and Development, Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy.  The skills learnt open the doors to a wide variety of careers in the world of business and finance. Not all Chemists wear white coats.

 

How is this course structured?

Unit Content	Unit Assessment
AS Unit 1:  F321 - Atoms, Bonds and Groups Atoms and reactions, electrons, bonding and structure,the periodic table	1 hour written paper AS level – 30%; A2 level – 15%
AS Unit 2: F322 – Chains, Energy and resources Basic concepts and hydrocarbons; Alcohols, halogenoalkanes and Analysis; Energy; Resources	1 hour  45 minute written paper AS level – 50%; A2 level – 25%
AS Unit 3: F323 – Practical skills in Chemistry 1 Controlled internal assessment of practical skills; Internal Assessment	AS level – 20%; A2 level – 10%
A2 Unit 4:  F324 – Rings, Polymers and Analysis Rings, Acids and Amines; Polymers and Synthesis; Analysis	1 hour written paper A2 level – 15%
A2 Unit 5: F325 – Equilibrium, Energetics and Elements Rates, Equilibrium and pH; Energy;Transition elements	1 hour  45 minute written paper A2 level – 25%
A2 Unit 6:  F326 – Practical skills in Chemistry 2 Controlled internal assessment of practical skills. Internal Assessment	A2 level – 10%

 

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