Why study chemistry?
If you enjoyed chemistry at GCSE, you will love this course. In two years that will fly by you will get a real in-depth knowledge of this fascinating subject, preparing you for further education or giving you the credentials to enhance your job options straight away. Chemists have greatly improved the quality of life for the majority of people. You will also find out how chemists are innovators, designing solutions to the problems that affect modern life. Students with a wide range of interests enjoy the chemistry course and move on to careers in both medicine and industry.
What will I be learning about?
You will be covering a range of topics including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle, periodicity, the halogens, the alkaline earth metals, NMR spectroscopy, organic synthesis, proteins and DNA, isomerism and chromatography. You will have the chance to learn investigative and experimental skills in a variety of practical lessons.
How will I be assessed?
At the end of Year 13 you will have three examinations, which together are worth 100% of your A-level. Practical based questions will form 15% of this assessment. The examination board is AQA.
Where will this lead?
Chemistry is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions. These include medicine, nursing, biochemistry, dentistry or forensic science. It will also equip you for a career in industry, for example in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, finance and law sectors. Students who take chemistry often also study from a wide range of subjects. These can include psychology, sociology, biology, physics, mathematics, applied science, health and social care, and critical thinking.
There are not many subject combinations that you would not be able to fit chemistry into!
What are the entry requirements?
Eight grade 9-4 at GCSE level including a minimum level 5 in English and 6 in mathematics. You should achieve a level 7 minimum in the GCSE chemistry exam or a level 6 in the GCSE trilogy exam.