Chemistry B (Salters) AS/A Level 3

Exam Board: OCR

Chemistry is a science affecting every aspect of modern life. Studying Chemistry at A Level is both relevant and interesting.  Salter’s AS/A2 Level Chemistry course also helps to develop a logical and methodical approach to problem solving which is highly valued not only within science disciplines but in many other fields of higher study or employment. Potential pupils should be able to obtain a good grade in Double or Triple Award Science but the main requirement is an enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of, the subject.  The desire to know the answer to the question ‘Why?’ typifies a good Chemistry pupil.

Career prospects and further education courses that are accessible through AS/A2 Level Chemistry are very diverse in nature. They range from pure chemistry, pharmacology and biochemistry to subjects such as art, archaeology and law. Chemistry is essential for anyone wishing to study medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, and it is highly recommended for physiotherapy. It is an interesting fact that 80% of all Chemistry degree graduates find themselves working for financial institutions, which have deliberately sought chemists because of their analytical and problem solving skills.

AS EXAMINATION

UNIT 1

Chemistry for Life

The Elements of Life and Developing Fuels.

1 hour written paper.

AS 30%   A2 15%

UNIT 2

Chemistry of Natural Resources

Elements from the Sea, The Atmosphere and The Polymer Revolution. 1 3/4 hour written paper.

AS 50%  A2 25%

UNIT 3

Chemistry in Practice

As internal assessment.

AS 20%   A2 10%

A2 EXAMINATION

UNIT 4

Chemistry of Materials

The Materials Revolution, The Thread of Life, The Steel Story and What’s in a Medicine? 1 1/2 hour written paper.

15%

UNIT 5

Chemistry by Design

Colour by Design, The Oceans, Medicines by Design and Agriculture and Industry. 2 hour written paper.

20%

UNIT 6

Individual investigation

15%

This is a very accessible course that relates Chemistry to its everyday roots and has a high practical content.  This course suits those pupils who are prepared to play an active role in their own learning and involves a variety of teaching styles encompassing experimental, research, presentation and problem solving based activities.

This specification is uniquely different from other A Level specifications because:

• It starts from applications and develops the theory as required
• It introduces chemical topics in one unit and revisits them in later units
• All external units in the examinations ask all the questions in context
• There is an advance notice passage included in the AS unit which can be studied, researched and discussed by pupils well in advance of the unit test
• A2 pupils undertake a four week chemical investigation of their own choice