Studying A Level Chemistry
Introduction by A Level Chemistry Specialist :
Hear from the Students:
Exam Board: AQA
Expected Entry Criteria: Grade 6 in Combined (Trilogy) Science
Why study this course?
At Gumley House we follow the AQA specification for Chemistry which is taught over five hours per week. Within lesson time you will develop your knowledge of theoretical Chemistry as well as participating in a wide range of experimental activities where you will enhance your analytical skills.
What will I learn?
You will learn about the different aspects of Chemistry including Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry as well as further develop your experimental skills.
How will I be taught?
We use a variety of strategies to help you build up a detailed but broad understanding of the syllabus content and develop your skills. This includes group and individual research projects, one-to-one and small group tutorials, individual and group presentations, data analysis, computer simulations, experimental investigations and the development of practical skills. Experimental work is integrated into the lessons and practical skills are developed alongside theoretical work. There are 12 key practical skills that are developed throughout the course.
How many hours a week private study will I have?
As an A Level student you must spend at least six hours doing private study per week to consolidate your learning and learn how to apply subject knowledge to different contexts.
You’ll enjoy this course if…
You have an inquisitive mind, enjoy hands-on practical work have strong analytical and maths skills.
Course Description
The course will split into three key strands which will be taught over two years:
1. Physical Chemistry
Year 1 topics include: atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle.
Year 2 topics include: Thermodynamics, rate equations, the equilibrium constant Kp, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells.
2. Inorganic Chemistry
Year 1 topics include: periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7(17) the halogens.
Year 2 topics include: properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
3. Organic Chemistry
Year 1 topics include: introduction to Organic Chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis.
Year 2 topics include: optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, and chromatography.
Chemistry, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course you will carry out practical activities including: measuring energy changes in chemical reactions, tests for identifying different types of compound, different methods for measuring rates of reaction, studying electrochemical cells, preparation of organic solids and liquids, an advanced
form of chromatography for more accurate results.
Assessment
You will sit 3 exam papers at the end of the second year:
Paper 1: Physical Chemistry topics, Inorganic Chemistry, Relevant practical skills. 35% of the A Level (2 hour written paper: 105 marks of multiple choice, short answer questions and long answer questions).
Paper 2: Physical Chemistry topics, Organic Chemistry, Relevant practical skills. 35% of the A Level (2 hour written paper: 105 marks of short answer questions and long answer questions).
Paper 3: Any content, any practical skills. 30% of the A Level (2 hour written paper: 90 marks of short answer questions and long answer questions).
For more information, contact Dr D George