Chemistry
GCSE
See Combined Science & Triple Award Science for more information.
A Level
Chemistry is regarded as the ‘central’ science and is concerned with the fundamental understanding and rationalisation of all aspects of the physical world. It is also very much a practical subject, concerned with making things as diverse as drugs, plastics, textiles and food. The course is divided into chemical topics, each containing different key concepts. Once the key features of the topic have been developed, practical applications are considered.
Coursework/Examination Requirement
3 examinations and a practical endorsement.
The College expects students to have
Grade 5, 6 or above in Combined Science or Grade 5, 5, 6 in separate Sciences (Grade 6 must be in Chemistry). Minimum Grade 5 in Mathematics is also required.
Progression
The opportunities for Chemistry students are enormous. There are many possibilities within the scientific and engineering worlds and Chemistry qualifications are welcomed in other careers such as accountancy and ICT. Typical careers include chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, aeronautics, forensics and teaching.
Chemistry Course Content
Unit 1: Development of Practical Skills
Planning, implementation, analysis and evaluation, and development of qualitive, quantitive, synthesis and purification skills.
Unit 2: Foundations in Chemistry
Atomic structure, mole calculations, acids and bases, bonding and structure.
Unit 3: Periodic table and Energy
Periodic table, enthalpy, rates and equilibrium.
Unit 4: Core organic Chemistry
Atomic structure, mole calculations, acids and bases, bonding and structure.
Unit 5: Physical Chemistry and transition elements
Quantitive rates and equilibrium, acids, anthalpy, entropy, free energy, redox, electrode potentials and transition elements.
Unit 6: Organic Chemistry and analysis
Aromatic compounds, carbonyl, carboxylic acids, esters, nitrogen compounds, polymers and analytical techniques.
Practical Endorsement
Twelve teacher assessed practical activities along with their associated skills to be completed during the two year course
(graded Competent/Not yet competent).
