Chemistry - A Level

Chemistry is the science of matter and materials, based around an analysis of the Periodic Table. Chemistry is concerned with the composition, structure and properties of matter and the changes matter undergoes during chemical reactions. The A Level course develops the themes covered at GCSE and will also introduce you to contemporary themes concerning how science works, climate change and ‘green’ chemistry. Practical laboratory skills will be developed and assessed. Chemistry is a stimulating subject offering academic rigour and training in scientific methodology. It is a well regarded A Level in preparing students for science related studies in Higher Education.

What will I study in Chemistry?

AS Units 1, 2 & 3
Inorganic Chemistry: What are the trends in the physical properties of the elements, especially groups 2 and 7 of the Periodic Table? How does this extend to chemical reactions in the laboratory and industry?
 
Physical Chemistry: How are atoms built up in terms of their nuclear structure and electronic configurations? How do materials bond chemically? Are covalent and ionic bonds the only type of chemical bond? How do energy changes link with chemical reactions and calculations?
 
Organic Chemistry: How are different organic compounds grouped into alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and halogenoalkanes? How do these react and by what reaction mechanism?
 
Practical: Practical laboratory based skills relating to units 1 and 2 will be internally assessed via four activities. For example, you may carry out an acid-base titration or measure the energy change for a reaction.
 
A2 Units 4, 5 & 6
Inorganic Chemistry: What is meant by oxidation and reduction? What type of reactions are redox reactions? How are the Transition Metals different from other metals and how do we explain their chemical properties?
 
Physical Chemistry: What makes chemical reactions work and how can we change the conditions to alter the rate of chemical reactions? How do oxidation and reduction reactions link to electrode potentials? What is the concept of entropy and how does it determine how reactions behave? How can reversible reactions be made to move in a direction to make useful materials in high yield?
 
Organic Chemistry: How do other types of organic compounds react? What difference in structure and chemical behaviour is there between carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives? How do organic nitrogen compounds and aromatic compounds react? How can we synthesise organic compounds and calculate their yield?
 
Practical: Laboratory based skills relating to units 3 and 4 will be internally assessed via four activities. For example you may prepare a sample of aspirin or follow the rate of a reaction to understand the factors that affect this. 

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by four examination papers each containing multiple choice and short answer questions – two in the AS year and two in the A2. Laboratory skills will be assessed by your teacher through a series of practical exercises. 

Do I need to have studied Chemistry before?

You should have studied Chemistry at GCSE as part of a Double Award Science or separate Chemistry course, ideally scoring a grade B or above. 

Who will teach me?

Andrew Homer BSc, PGCE is a graduate of the University of Manchester. He joined Lansdowne last academic year as Head of Science, having previously taught chemistry for nearly 25 years. Before joining the College he was Director of Science at a leading boys’ grammar school. He has an excellent track record of examination success.
 
Stephen Owen MSc, PGCE is an Oxford graduate. He is a highly experienced, enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who utilises a wide range of teaching methods in his delivery of the subject.

Which subjects complement Chemistry?

Chemistry is a pivotal science, making it an ideal companion subject to Physics, Biology or Mathematics. It may also hold relevance to students of Psychology, Geography and Computing.

Which careers can Chemistry lead to?

Chemistry A Level is essential for medically related degrees such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry and Veterinary Science. It is also essential for careers in Chemical Engineering, Colour Chemistry, Metallurgy, Food Science and Forensic Science.