A Level Chemistry
Examination Board: AQA
Chemistry plays a variety of roles within modern society, some of the most important being the development of pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, ceramics, plastics and others based on the oil industry. Paints, adhesives, cosmetics and the food industry are other areas where chemists contribute their expertise. Chemists are increasingly helping to improve the quality of life by seeking environmentally friendly solutions to the problems of the modern world. The course has been designed to incorporate modern developments in Chemistry and also the impact of Chemistry on modern society and resources. There is an increased emphasis on understanding and application rather than recall. A level Chemistry grades will only be made up of the exam results students gain at the end of their A level course. There will be three exams each 2 hours duration. There will be no coursework content but 15% of marks for A level exams will be based on the understanding and interpretation of practical work. Students will be awarded a separate endorsement of practical skills which will be assessed by teachers over the two year course and will be pass or fail.
PAPER 1
Inorganic chemistry topics:
- Transition metals
- Grp 2 metals,
- Periodicity
- Aqueous solutions
- Relevant practical skills
Physical chemistry topics:
- Atomic structure
- Amount of substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Equilibria
- Acids and bases
- Redox
PAPER 2
Organic chemistry topics:
- Alkanes/alkenes
- Alcohols
- Esters
- Carbocyclic acids
- Acid anhydrides
- Relevant practical skills
Physical chemistry topics:
- Amount of substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Equilibria
- Kinetics
Three exams 2 hours each, will cover:
PAPER 1: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
Questions: 105 marks, with a mixture of short and long answer questions
PAPER 2: Organic and Physical Chemistry
Questions: 105 marks, with a mixture of short and long answer questions
PAPER 3: Practical Skills, Data Handling and Synopsis
Questions: 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis. 20 marks of questions testing across the specification. 30 marks of multiple choice questions.
Chemistry occupies a central position in modern science and, because of this, A level Chemistry provides a route to further study in numerous areas. Former students have progressed to courses which include chemistry, agriculture, biology, biochemistry, medicine, chemical engineering, oceanography, dentistry, food science, veterinary science and pharmacy. Chemistry has also proved to be a valuable supporting subject for courses in physics, biology, geography, forensic science, clinical psychology and nursing.