A Level Chemistry

A Level Chemistry

Exam Board. AQA

A-level Chemistry is a captivating subject that helps you understand the building blocks of the world around us. It explores how substances interact, how reactions happen, and how chemistry plays a key role in everything from the environment to technology. A-level Chemistry provides answers to intriguing questions such as:

• How do chemical reactions happen, and how can they be controlled?

• What causes climate change, and how can chemistry help reduce its effects?

• How are new materials like plastics and alloys designed and produced?

• How do batteries and fuel cells power our devices and vehicles?

By studying A-level Chemistry, you will gain a deep understanding of these topics, laying the groundwork for careers in fields like medicine, environmental science, chemical engineering, and materials science. Chemistry students often go on to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as developing sustainable energy solutions, improving environmental protection, and advancing new technologies.

As well as learning fascinating chemistry content, you will also develop important practical skills such as good laboratory practice and analytical techniques. You'll build transferable skills, including problem solving, independent research, and data analysis, which are valuable in a wide range of careers. Chemistry opens the door to numerous university courses and professional pathways, from pharmaceuticals to renewable energy.

Year 1: Atomic structure, bonding, amount of substance, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, reduction and oxidation, periodicity, group 2, group 7, introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and organic analysis.

Year 2: Thermodynamics, rate of reaction, equilibrium constant, electrochemical cells, acids and bases, period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solutions, optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography.

Key Skills

• Practical laboratory skills

• Analytical and critical thinking

• Independent research

• Problem solving and logical reasoning

• Data analysis and interpretation

• You should have strong maths skills, as there a lots of complex equations and concepts that can be tricky to understand.

You will need:

• GCSE grade 6-6 or higher in Combined Science

OR

• GCSE 6 in Triple Science Chemistry plus one other grade 6 in either Biology or Physics

.

• GCSE grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics and English.

• You will need to show a high level of interest and enthusiasm in class and be capable of independent study.

Careers:

A-level Chemistry opens the door to a wide range of exciting and rewarding careers. These include: chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, environmental science, forensic science, toxicology, materials science, nanotechnology, food science, petrochemicals, and many more. It’s a key subject for those looking to enter professions in science, healthcare, and engineering.

University Courses:

A-level Chemistry is a requirement for many university courses, especially in scientific and healthcare-related fields. Common degree options include: chemistry, medicine, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmacy, environmental science, forensic science, materials science, and pharmacology.

Links with Other Subjects:

A-level Chemistry complements many other subjects, particularly Maths, Physics, and Biology, providing a well-rounded foundation for further studies in science and engineering.