Exam Board – AQA
Qualification – A Level
Entry requirements – GCSE grade 6 in sciences and grade 5 in maths
Course specification
A level chemistry is arranged into the three traditional branches of chemistry – physical, inorganic and organic. In the first year of A Level, you will study the following topics:
“I thoroughly enjoy the subject as it always presents new challenges and problems to solve. The sense of achievement I feel when a solution is found is one of the reasons I love chemistry.”
– Student
- atomic structure
- amount of substance
- bonding
- energetic
- kinetics
- equilibria
- periodicity
- an introduction to organic chemistry and some homologous series such as the alcohols
In the second year, new topics are introduced such as:
- thermodynamics
- electrochemical cells
- properties of period 3 elements
- transition metals
- optical isomerism
- polymers
- proteins
- DNA
- organic synthesis
- NMR
What doors will this open up for me?
A qualification in chemistry demonstrates that you have good analytical skills, the ability to learn high level information and an organised and logical approach to problem solving and practical situations. These skills are transferable to a number of careers which is why it is highly valued by universities and employers. Chemistry can lead to university courses in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, dentistry, forensic science, food science, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, veterinary science and many other specialised courses.
