Chemistry

  • A Level
  • OCR
  • Entry requirements: GCSE Chemistry Grade 6, Strongly advised - GCSE Maths Grade 6 or above. Students without this grade should take AS Core Maths.
  • Goes well with: Maths, Physics, Computer Science, Biology, Further Maths.

This course is designed to develop students' understanding of both the principles and practical skills of Chemistry; it is an ideal course for those wishing to pursue further education in any STEM subject (such as Engineering or the Sciences), as well as being a required subject for those wishing to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the different areas of chemistry as well as how they relate to industry, the economy and our everyday lives. Due to its high reliance on analytical thinking, problem solving and intellectual demand, Chemistry is a highly regarded A Level which enables students to pursue a wide range of higher education courses and careers from any science discipline to Law and Accountancy.

 

OCR A-Level Chemistry Breakdown

Module 1 - Practical Skills. Practicals are completed throughout the course as an integral part of teaching and assessment is ongoing in lessons to gain a Practical Endorsement for students. To achieve a Practical Endorsement, students must show they are capable of: following procedures; applying an investigative approach when using instruments and equipment; working safely; making and recording observations; researching, referencing and reporting. Practical Endorsement and practical work in lessons does not count towards a student’s final grade, however the skills involved are interrogated into written examinations.

Module 2 - Foundations in Chemistry. Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations, amount of substance, acid-base and redox reactions, electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3 - Periodic Table and Energy. The periodic table and periodicity , Group 2 and the halogens, qualitative analysis, enthalpy changes. reaction rates and equilibrium.

Module 4 - Core Organic Chemistry. Basic concepts, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols and Haloalkanes, Organic Synthesis, Analytical techniques.

Module 5 - Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements. Reaction rates and equilibrium, pH and buffers, Enthalpy, Entropy and free energy, Redox and electrode potentials, Transition elements.

Module 6 - Organic Chemistry and Analysis. Aromatic compounds, Carbonyl compounds, Carboxylic acids and esters, Nitrogen compounds, Polymers, Organic synthesis, Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

 

End of Yr13 Assessment: - At A2 assessment is done through three written examinations; two of 2 hours 15 minutes (37% weighting each) and one of 1 hour 30 minutes (26% weighting).

"I love studying chemistry, not only because of the exciting practicals, but because chemistry is all around us. You get to learn about what things are made out of and how everything is bonded together, and so much more. It helps to enhance your practical skills, your problem-solving skills and your teamwork skills and even though it's not always easy, it is so worth the challenge."