Chemistry A Level

Campus
Leicester
Level
A Level

The course offers opportunities for students to take part in field visits and collaborative work with the local University looking at analytical techniques and the specialist instruments used.

Course Duration

A level Chemistry is a two year course.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs at Grade A*-C/9 – 5 required 
• Grade B/6 or above in Maths
• Grade B/5 and above in English Language
• Grade BBC/665 in three Single Sciences or
• Grades BB/66 in Synergy or Trilogy combined Science

Assessment of Course :

A two week induction will take place at the start of the course with an access assessment taken by all students enrolled onto the course. Throughout the year students will be assessed regularly where they will be expected to show sufficient progress.

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Coursework

3.1 Physical chemistry

• 3.1.1 Atomic structure
• 3.1.2 Amount of substance
• 3.1.3 Bonding
• 3.1.4 Energetics

• 3.1.5 Kinetics • 3.1.6 Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
• 3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
• 3.1.8 Thermodynamics (A-level only)
• 3.1.9 Rate equations (A-level only)
• 3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems (A-level only)
• 3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only)
• 3.1.12 Acids and bases (A-level only)

3.2 Inorganic chemistry

• 3.2.1 Periodicity
• 3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
• 3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens
• 3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)
• 3.2.5 Transition metals (A-level only)
• 3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only)

3.3 Organic chemistry

• 3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
• 3.3.2 Alkanes
• 3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
• 3.3.4 Alkenes
• 3.3.5 Alcohols
• 3.3.6 Organic analysis
• 3.3.7 Optical isomerism (A-level only)
• 3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
• 3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only)
• 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)
• 3.3.11 Amines (A-level only)
• 3.3.12 Polymers (A-level only)
• 3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
• 3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A-level only)
• 3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (A-level only)
• 3.3.16 Chromatography (A-level only)

Assessment

Paper 1 Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, 35% 2 hours
Paper 2 Physical and Organic Chemistry, 35 % 2 hours
Paper 3 Any content and Practical skills, 30% 2 hours

Coursework

There are twelve compulsory practicals which are assessed but not examined.

Career Progression

Most students taking A-level Chemistry go onto University courses in Chemistry or science related disciplines. A Level Chemistry is essential for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering.

Further Information

The course offers opportunities for students to take part in field visits and collaborative work with the local University looking at analytical techniques and the specialist instruments used.