AS/A Level Chemistry
- Graig Campus
A Chemistry A-level provides a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards Chemistry and to recognise its importance in their own lives and society.
Studying Chemistry encourages learners to develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills. Practical work is an intrinsic part of A Level Chemistry and is greatly valued by universities and research institutions. To widen experience, those who demonstrate an aptitude Chemistry are encouraged to participate in the Chemistry Olympiad; a national competition run by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Course details
- Full time
- Face-to-Face
Admin Fee: £25
What you will learn
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Programme Features
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Programme content
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Progression and employment
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Method of assessment
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STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
- Application of everyday chemistry
- Links to current affairs and developments in Science
- Develops practical skills commensurate with the qualification
- Programme features Learners will have access to well-equipped laboratories
AS Level
Atomic Structure and Radioactivity, Chemical Quantities and Equations, Inorganic Chemistry (reactions of the Periodic Table), Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry (including the Greenhouse Effect and Acid Rain). An introduction to Organic Chemistry. Also a study of whether reactions happen (Energetics), how fast they happen (Kinetics) and what the yield is likely to be (Equilibria).
A2 Level
Further Inorganic eg. the Transition Metals, and physical chemistry. Lots more Organic chemistry including: the synthesis of important substances such as pharmaceuticals and polymers, and techniques for analysing substances eg. Infra-red Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry. Also organic practical work, eg. the synthesis of aspirin.
The chemistry department has helped our students to successfully apply to study medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, chemistry and biomedical sciences at Russell Group universities. A student who achieved an A* is now studying Dentistry at Cardiff University, another is at Imperial College London studying Medicine and an A grade student is now studying Veterinary Science at Nottingham University Veterinary College.
Year 1 / AS - Units 1 & 2 Written Exams, 20% each;
Year 2 / A2 - Units 3 & 4 Written Exam, 25% each, and Unit 5 Practical Exam, 10%.
A minimum of six GCSEs at grades A*-C To include: GCSE Mathematics (Higher Tier), GCSE Double/Triple Science at grade B or above, and GCSE English Language or Welsh (First Language) at a grade C or above.
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.
All STEM subjects can help you develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, lateral thinking, and working as part of a team, which are highly sought-after qualities for any employer. They are academically rigorous, and also demonstrate an ability to manage heavy workloads, motivation and time keeping skills, and can lead to the highest-paying jobs.
Like all A Level subjects, STEM subjects are challenging, and you will need to be motivated and fully engaged to be successful.