Course overview

A Level Chemistry explores the composition, structure, and behaviour of matter. Students investigate how substances interact and transform, applying their knowledge to solve real world problems, from developing new materials to researching life saving drugs. The course combines theoretical understanding with extensive practical work, developing analytical, problem solving, and scientific reasoning skills.

A Level Chemistry seeks to answer the fundamental question: “What is the world made of?” The search for this answer underpins all aspects of the course, from chemical transformations to advanced research applications.

Who is this course for?

This course is well suited to students who:

• Enjoy exploring the natural world at a molecular and atomic level
• Are interested in practical laboratory work and scientific investigation
• Want to develop strong problem solving, analytical, and research skills
• Are considering university courses or careers in Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacology, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields

Course content

Year 1

• Physical Chemistry: Atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle
• Inorganic Chemistry: Periodicity, Group 2 (alkaline earth metals), Group 7/17 (halogens)
• Organic Chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis

Year 2

• Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, rate equations, equilibrium constant Kp, electrode potentials, electrochemical cells
• Inorganic Chemistry: Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution
• Organic Chemistry: Optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography

Practical work

Practical activities are integral to the course, including:

• Measuring energy changes in chemical reactions
• Tests for identifying compounds
• Measuring reaction rates
• Studying electrochemical cells
• Preparing organic solids and liquids
• Advanced chromatography for accurate results

Assessment

A Level Chemistry is assessed entirely through examinations at the end of Year 13. There is no coursework, but practical skills are assessed and contribute at least 15% of the overall marks.

Three written exams, each two hours long, covering all theoretical and practical content.

Progression opportunities

This qualification provides excellent preparation for degrees and careers in:

• University degrees in Chemistry, Biology, Pre Clinical Medicine, Mathematics, Pharmacology, and related sciences
• Careers including Analytical Chemist, Chemical Engineer, Clinical Biochemist, Pharmacologist, Doctor, Research Scientist, Toxicologist, Chartered Certified Accountant, Environmental Consultant, Patent Attorney, Science Writer, Secondary School Teacher, Higher Education Lecturer
• Applied scientific professions requiring laboratory expertise, critical thinking, and problem solving skills

Skills developed

• Practical laboratory and investigative skills
• Analytical reasoning and problem solving
• Scientific communication, including written and verbal presentation
• Independent research and critical evaluation
• Quantitative and data analysis skills

“Develop a strong understanding of chemical principles and their real world applications, while building analytical and practical skills that support further study in science and related fields.”