A Level Chemistry

Applications Open: - 01/09/2025

Applications Close: - 31/08/2026

Entry Requirements: - Please see our website - dependent on courses https://leighutcdartford.org.uk/post-16/

How to Apply: - Please apply by completing the form on our website. We will contact you to arrange to discuss your subject choices for Post 16

Studying A-level Chemistry provides students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles governing the natural world, making it a fascinating and intellectually stimulating subject. It develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are valuable in a wide range of fields. Chemistry is central to many scientific disciplines, opening the door to exciting careers in various sectors.

A level Chemistry is a highly respected academic A level and it makes an excellent choice, offering you access to a wide range of university courses and careers. You'll need Chemistry for many degrees leading to professional qualifications like medicine and dentistry. Students can also pursue roles as pharmacists, chemical engineers, biochemists, environmental scientists, forensic scientists, toxicologists, and medical researchers.

Additionally, careers in food science, cosmetics, and energy offer dynamic opportunities to apply chemistry in innovative ways, making it a versatile and rewarding subject to study. You will also gain an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues, as well some of the ways in which the scientific community contributes to the success of the economy and society.

Physical chemistry: Atomic structure; Amount of substances; Bonding; Energetics; Kinetics; Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc; Oxidation, reduction and redox equations.

Inorganic chemistry: Periodicity; Group2, the alkaline Earth metals; Group 7(17), the halogens

Organic chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry; Alkanes; Halogenoalkanes; Alkenes; Alcohols; Organic analysis

Physical chemistry: Thermodynamics; Rate equations; Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems; Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells; Acids and bases Aromatic compounds; carbonyl compounds; carboxylic acids and esters; nitrogen compounds; polymers; organic synthesis; chromatography and spectroscopy (nuclear magnetic resonance)

Inorganic chemistry: Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides; Transition metals; Reactions of ions inaqueous solution

Organic chemistry: Optical isomerism; Aldehydes and ketones; Carboxylic acids and derivatives; Aromatic chemistry; Amines; Polymers; Amino acids, proteins and DNA; Organic synthesis, Nuclear

magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Chromatography

Your A level grade is determined by your performance in three written papers at the end of the course, which include questions relating to both theory and practical skills.

Practical skills are assessed by your teacher during a minimum of 12 lab and field experiments, the results of which are sent to the exam board for moderation. Your practical skills result is reported alongside (but does not contribute to) your A level grade.

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English, and 9-7 in Maths and Sciences

Future courses and possible careers: Biochemistry, Chemical engineering, Green chemistry, Environmental science, Pharmacy, Medicine via degree apprenticeships, undergraduate degrees