AQA A Level Chemistry
What’s it about?
Chemistry may seem a very complicated subject, but the ideas and complexities are actually built on a set of fundamental underlying patterns. Once you have developed a careful understanding of these it becomes accessible and enjoyable to study. Our aim is always to help learners to understand these key principles. They can then enjoy the logic that underpins the subject, and use it to explore the many factual details and experimental observations.
Benefits
Careers in any form of medicine, including becoming a doctor or veterinarian, require A Level Chemistry. Having this qualification is a very desirable trait and is a highly respected qualification to have in academic circles.
Entry Requirements:
We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in science or chemistry and grade 5 in mathematics.
Contacts:
Dr. J Hitchcock – Director of Teaching and Learning
The Canterbury Academy Sixth Form
Course Content
The A Level course is comprised of three units which are further divided into subunits. Additionally, there are 12 mandatory practical investigations forming the complete A Level.
Sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.7 of the physical chemistry content, sections 3.2.1 to 3.2.3 of the inorganic chemistry content and sections 3.3.1 to 3.3.6 of the organic chemistry content are designed to be covered in the first year of the A Level.
Assessment:
Examinations:
- Paper 1: Two hours 35% A (105 marks; short and long answer questions).
- Paper 2: Two hours 35% A (105 marks; short and long answer questions).
- Paper 3: Two hours 30% A (90 marks; 40 marks on practical and data analysis, 20 marks testing across the specification, 30 marks multiple choice questions).
Twelve compulsory investigations.
Progression:
Vocation
The study of chemistry provides an entry into many career routes, not just in chemistry itself. Careers such as chemical engineering, medicine, veterinary science, biological sciences, environmental sciences, geological sciences and forensic science all use chemistry.
Materials science is an important component of most engineering courses. At university level, applied chemistry courses such as polymer science and textiles are becoming increasingly popular.
This course goes well alongside A Level Biology, Environmental Science and Physics