All about A level Chemistry – course information

What's A level Chemistry about?

A level Chemistry studies  the material world, and through chemistry we can describe and explain questions such as: "what happens when sugar dissolves in tea?"; "why is mercury a liquid at room temperature?"; "how do we make plastics?"; "what can we do about global warming?"; "how and why will I be affected if oil runs out?".

From baking a cake to recharging a mobile phone, chemistry is involved in everything we do; and our lives are inextricably influenced by many aspects of chemistry. Chemistry will continue to be at the forefront of responding the needs of society; with chemists central to making advances in designing new materials, efficient energy use, drug development, and technology, to name but a few.

A level Chemistry courses cover a wide variety of basic concepts such as the structure of the atom; the interaction of matter and energy; how to control reactions; patterns in the Periodic Table; understanding carbon-based molecules.

For example, the OCR A Chemistry specification splits the content into 6 modules: (1) Development of practical skills in chemistry (2) foundations in chemistry (3) Periodic table and energy (4) Core organic chemistry (5) Physical chemistry and transition metals (6) Organic chemistry and analysis.

What sort of work is involved?

In all these topics, you will need to learn facts and build a body of knowledge but also to understand and apply the ideas. Many topics include calculations and so you should feel comfortable rearranging equations and using numbers. Importantly, chemistry is a hands-on science and you will carry out experiments on a regular basis. This is to consolidate your theory work, but also provide you with the opportunity to use new apparatus and build your skills and confidence to complete safe and accurate practical work.

What background do I need?

A level Chemistry requires an interest in the subject and an enthusiasm and commitment to work hard. You will need to develop your abilities to work independently and take responsibility for your own progress. Usually, students have studied the subject at GCSE, and ideally, you will have at least a 7  in GCSE science (double or separate sciences) and mathematics. You will also need to be able to write effective English using scientifically accurate vocabulary.

Where can it lead?

Chemistry A level is a highly respected A level, with its broad variety of tested skills, and it is a good choice for many degrees and careers. Chemistry has been described as the ‘central science’ and is often combined with either physics or biology. It is a compulsory choice for anyone wishing to pursue medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, as well as chemistry-based degrees, such as pharmacy, pharmacology, and biochemistry.

One year course?

It is unusual but possible to complete the course in one year if you have a strong background in GCSE science and a successful track record of post-GCSE study. You will need to be dedicated and focused and have the time to complete a great deal of work outside lesson time. Alternatively, if you need to re-sit the course to improve your grade, the one-year course is likely to be just what you need.

Assessment

The main exam boards (OCR, AQA, Pearson, Eduqas) all offer A level Chemistry. The courses are linear, meaning that the A level exams take place at the end of the second year and any internal or AS exams taken at the end of the first year do not contribute to the overall grade of the A level.

There are 3 written papers, two of which question particular topics from the two years, whilst the third is more 'synoptic' (asking questions which cut across several topics) and has a greater emphasis on the understanding of practical work you have developed during the course. Taking the example of OCR, Paper 1 examines modules 1, 2, 3 and 5; Paper 2 examines modules 1, 2, 4 and 6; and Paper 3 covers all 6 modules.

In addition to these three papers which decide your A level grade, you will also need  to complete 12 core practicals which your teachers assess. The practical mark is published as an endorsement to your A level grade.

Written by Christine Reynolds, Head of Science at DLD College, London

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