Course Overview

A Level chemistry gives you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. It covers the key concepts of chemistry with practical skills integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying A Level chemistry highly appealing.

You will learn about chemistry in a range of contexts, investigate and solve problems and build practical skills through a range of experiments and investigations. You will develop a sound grasp of theories, concepts, and chemicals, many of which you meet in everyday life; what are polymers and how are they made, how do they ‘design’ pharmaceuticals, what exactly are catalysts and which chemical elements and compounds do we rely upon day after day?

Chemistry and the work of the chemist is all around us and understanding that in a very practical way makes the subject exciting.

Chemistry A Level topics include:

• Foundations in chemistry
• The periodic table and energy
• Core organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry and the transition elements
• Organic chemistry and analysis

Additional Costs: To comply with our safety policy, you are expected to buy a lab coat which can be purchased via the College online store when you enrol. You will also need a calculator and we suggest you buy an appropriate textbook.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds. The written exams assess your knowledge of both theory and practical skills.

Your final A Level exam will be made up of three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of year two.

Progression Options

A Level chemistry is an excellent base for a university degree in healthcare such as medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry as well as the biological sciences, physics, mathematics, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, and law.

There is a growing number of students starting Higher Apprenticeships after their A Levels and some find employment in the technical and analytical world of work.