Exam Board: AQA
Course Outline
Chemistry is everywhere in the world around you. It’s in the food you eat, clothes you wear, water you drink, medicines, air, cleaners… you name it. Chemistry sometimes is called the “central science” because it connects other sciences to each other, such as biology, physics, geology, and environmental science. If you are interested in the world around you then chemistry is for you. Over the two years of this challenging and demanding course you will study chemistry in a contemporary context. You will be involved in a wide range of practical and theoretical work developing your understanding of the relevance of science beyond the laboratory and gaining practical and data analysis skills you will need to study science at higher levels. You will study aspects of chemistry that are often in the media and affect our lives.
Assessment and Examinations
At the end of Year 13 you will sit three 2 hour papers that will test the range of topics covered.
Throughout the year you will do 12 assessed practical experiments, for which you will receive a qualification in practical skills.
- Paper 1: Inorganic Chemistry; 35% of the qualification
- Paper 2: Organic Chemistry; 35% of the qualification
- Paper 3: Synoptic, Practical Skills and Data Anlysis; 30% of the qualification.
Future Prospects
The chemical and allied industries – fuels, pharmaceuticals, fragrances are the most important manufacturing industries to the UK economy, recording trade surpluses of more than £4 billion each year. These industries employ large numbers of chemists in research, development, sales, marketing and management. The intellectual training obtained in studying Chemistry is also ideal for a career in areas not directly related to chemical sciences.
Looking to university, Chemistry is essential for anyone wishing to study Medicine, Pharmacology and Dentistry. It is recommended for any student wanting to study Biology, Biotechnology, Forensic Science or Genetic Studies. A-level Chemistry is highly respected and is recognised as an excellent qualification for anyone wishing to study non-scientific subjects including Law and Economics.