A-Level Chemistry

A Level Chemistry

Specification: AQA

Method of Assessment:

Assessment of AS Chemistry

Students will sit two exams, each an hour long.  Inorganic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in one paper, while organic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in the second paper. Each paper is worth 50% of AS, containing a mixture of short and long answer questions as well as some multiple choice questions.

Assessment of A Level Chemistry

Students will complete three examination papers, each of which is two hours in length. Inorganic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in one paper worth 35%, while organic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in the second paper worth 35%. Both papers contain a mixture of short and long answer questions. The third paper will assess all practical skills as well as all content; this is referred to as a ‘synoptic’ paper and is worth 30%. The final paper consists of questions on practical techniques and data analysis, content from across the specification and some multiple choice questions.

Course Overview:

The new specification A Level Chemistry course requires students to complete all modules and be assessed on them all at the end of two years of study – i.e. in Year 13.  The A Level is no longer formed of ‘AS’ plus ‘A2’.  However, students can choose to study Chemistry for just one year (modules 1-4) and complete the relevant exams to attain an AS Level in Chemistry.

Units Studied:

Year 12 Content

Students choosing to only study Chemistry to AS Level complete organic, inorganic and physical chemistry content alongside completing practical activities.  Students will need to sit two exams, each an hour long.  Inorganic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in one paper, while organic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in the second paper.

Physical Chemistry

The content of this module includes atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s principle.

Inorganic Chemistry

This module includes the study of: periodicity, group 2 alkaline earth metals and group 7 halogens.

Organic Chemistry

In this module, students learn about: introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogen alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and organic analysis.

Year 13 Content

Students who choose to study Chemistry to A level will complete two years of study and will be assessed on their learning across those two years at the end of year 13.  All content, right from the start of year 12, will be assessed at this time – this is often referred to as a ‘linear’ course (rather than the previous ‘modular’ course).  Students will complete three examination papers, each of which is two hours in length. Inorganic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in one paper, while organic with relevant physical chemistry is assessed in the second paper. The third paper will assess all practical skills as well as all content, this is referred to as a ‘synoptic’ paper.

Physical Chemistry

The content of this module includes thermodynamics, rate equations, the equilibrium constant, electrode potentials and electrochemistry. 

Inorganic Chemistry

This module includes the study of: properties of period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals and reactions of ions in aqueous solutions.

Organic Chemistry

In this module, students learn about: optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy and chromatography.

Entry Requirements:

Students require a minimum of a grade 5 in 7 different subjects at GCSE (or equivalent), including English (Literature or Language) and Mathematics, with at least a grade 6 in Separate Science Chemistry, or a 6-6 in Combined Science.

Career Opportunities

An understanding of Chemistry is essential for Medicine, Dentistry, Forensic Science, Pharmacy, Geology and Archaeology. 

Chemistry at A Level is the qualification most needed to join a Science based degree course.  The practical skills, experience of data analysis and the ability to express oneself concisely and accurately are useful attributes and help to prepare a young person for a career in a wide variety of fields.

For more information, please contact Ms Youens c/o sixthform@harristottenham.org.uk

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