: A Level Chemistry
Exam Board: AQA
Download Leaflet (PDF)Further information available from: Mr Trickett
Course requirements: Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Combined Science or a minimum grade 6 in each of the GCSE Single Sciences, plus GCSE Maths grade 6 or higher.
Chemistry attempts to answer the question “what is the world made of?” From investigating how one substance can be changed into another, to researching new drugs and vaccines to save lives and new materials to help us in the modern world, the opportunities that chemistry provide are endless.
Topics covered include:
- Atomic structure and bonding
- Kinetics
- Thermodynamics
- Organic synthesis
- Chemistry of DNA
- Chemical analysis
- Chemical reactions
The course is assessed by three written papers. These will cover both course content and practical techniques encountered during the course. Practical skills are assessed during the course and given a pass / fail status.
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|
| What’s assessed Relevant Physical Chemistry topics Inorganic Chemistry Relevant practical skills | What’s assessed Relevant Physical Chemistry topics Organic Chemistry Relevant practical skills | What’s assessed Any content Any practical skills |
| How it’s assessed Written exam: 2 hours, 105 marks 35% of A Level | How it’s assessed Written exam: 2 hours, 105 marks 35% of A Level | How it’s assessed Written exam: 20 hours, 90 marks 30% of A Level |
| Questions 105 marks of short and long answer questions | Questions 105 marks of sort and long answer questions | 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 is a challenging, but rewarding course that opens up a multitude of different career pathways. Students will find that it complements A-level Biology and / or A-level Physics.