Chemistry A level

Chemistry is important because everything we do is chemistry! Even your body is made of chemicals. Chemical reactions occur when you breathe, eat, or just sit there reading. All matter is made of chemicals, so the importance of chemistry is that it's the study of everything! Many of the materials we take for granted today have been developed by chemists and the search for even more useful materials and medicines is continuing.

Chemistry is used extensively in analysis and detection of substances and at A level we study some of these methods in detail. It is a practical subject and at A level there is lots of opportunity to carry out practical work.

Chemistry is used extensively in analysis and detection of substances and at A level we study some of these methods in detail. It is a practical subject and at A level there is lots of opportunity to carry out practical work.

Chemistry is a key subject for lots of STEM careers, particularly in medicine, pharmacy, and chemical engineering.

Chemistry is usually required or recommended for degrees in; biochemistry, chemical engineering, dentistry, chemistry, geology, environmental science, materials science, pharmacy, and a wide range of biology courses.

Qualification	A level Chemistry
Awarding body	AQA
Entry requirements	Ideally grade 7 or above in Chemistry (as a separate science) or 7-7 (Dual Award/Combined Science) at GCSE – candidates with grade 6 or 6-6 will be considered; ideally grade 6 or above in both Maths and English GCSE
Course overview	Chemistry is divided into a number of topics. These topics are interrelated and by the end of Year 13 it is rewarding for students to finally see the ‘whole picture’.
Course outline	Atomic structure and bonding An introduction to organic chemistry – oil, alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes, and alcohols Periodic table and inorganic chemistry – periodicity, group 2, and group 7 Physical chemistry – enthalpy, equilibria, and reaction rates; thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases and electrochemistry Inorganic chemistry – the Periodic Table and transition elements Organic chemistry – carboxylic acids and their derivatives, nitrogen-containing compounds, aromatic chemistry, polymers, and chemical analysis
Assessment	Three written examinations at the end of Year 13. Paper 1 Inorganic and physical chemistry Paper 2 Organic and physical chemistry Paper 3 A synoptic paper Practical endorsement – students will complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence.

I took A level chemistry because its a hugely useful facilitating a level for many science degrees.

Year 12 student

Potential career paths and further study

Chemistry is the science that links to all of the others. It is needed for medicine, dentistry and useful even if you want to do economics. It sits well alongside other sciences as well as on its own.

With exciting practicals and interesting content, chemistry at A level is one of my favourite subjects. The teaching ensures a smooth transition from GCSE level maximising students' potential as well as providing a comfortable, intimate fast learning environment.

Year 12 student