Course Content

Physical Chemistry: Atomic structure; Amount of substance; Bonding; Energetics; Kinetics; Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle; Oxidation reduction and redox equations; Thermodynamics; Rate equations; Equilibrium constant for homogeneous systems; Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells; Acids and bases.

Inorganic Chemistry: Periodicity; Group 2, the alkaline earth metals; Group 7, the halogens; Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides; Transition metals; Reactions of ions in aqueous solution. Organic Chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry; Alkanes; Halogenoalkanes; Alkenes; Alcohols; Organic analysis; 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.

Studies explore the fundamental principles that form the basis of Chemistry: Atomic Structure, the Mole and Bonding.  Organic Chemistry is introduced and then extended and developed to include Alcohols and Analytical Techniques.  Students will then look more deeply at principles that underpin chemistry, and their application. These include Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibria and Redox Reactions. We also undertake a study of the Periodic Table, focusing on Group 7 (Halogens) and Group 2 (Alkaline Earth Metals) and how they are extracted. We will develop the concept of Physical Chemistry, treating Kinetic and Equilibria quantitatively. The theory behind Acids and Bases is demonstrated using titrations (practical technique) and the study of organic chemistry is extended to include carbonyl groups, aromatic compounds and polymers. It also includes a study of spectroscopic techniques to solve identification problems. The full Chemistry A-Level includes the study of thermodynamics, construction of Born-Haber cycles, enthalpy/entropy calculations, Periodicity, including transition Metals, Redox Equilibria and Reactions of Inorganic Compounds in Aqueous Solution. These will be supported by numerous practical opportunities.

Assessment

There are 3 exams with a combination of theory and practical papers.

Expectations

Minimum of Grade 7 (grade 8’s are highly recommended due to the demanding nature of the course) in all GCSE Science subjects which have been taken whether double award or triple award; plus a minimum of a Grade 7 in Maths. It is recommended, but not essential, to be studying A level Maths. We strongly recommend that Chemistry is not the only Science/Maths subject that a student takes. If Chemistry is taken without another Science or Maths, we will require a minimum of grade 8’s in the GCSE modules in Chemistry.

Examination Board: AQA.    Course Number: 7405