Chemistry

Course Overview

The exam board is WJEC and you will be required to sit two examinations at the end of both the AS and A2 course:

AS Level (CH1 is 1.5 hours long and cover the following topics):

Atomic structure
Chemical equilibrium
Chemical calculations
Energetics
Kinetics

CH2 is 1.5 hours long and covers the following topics:

Chemical bonding
Shapes of molecules
Solubility of compounds
Solid structures
Periodic trends
Organic reactions
Hydrocarbons
Halogenoalkanes
Alcohols
Analytical techniques

Coursework (CH3)
Coursework will be done in college time and there will be two practical assessments. You are allowed to use notes and textbooks when writing up the coursework. You will not be allowed to take any part of the coursework home.

A2 Level (CH4 is 1.75 hours long and cover the following topics):

Spectroscopy
Isomerism and aromaticity
Organic compounds containing oxygen
Alcohols and phenol
Aldehydes and ketones
Carboxylic acid and derivatives
Organic compounds containing nitrogen
Organic synthesis and analysis
The process of how science works

CH5 is 1.75 hours long and covers the following topics:

Redox and standard electrode potential
Redox reactions
Groups 3 4 and 7
d block transition elements
Chemical kinetics
Enthalpy changes for solids and solutions
Entropy and feasibility of reactions
General equilibria
Acid-base equilibria

Coursework (CH6)
Coursework will be done in college time and there will be two practical assessments. Coursework is done under exam conditions but you are allowed to use your notes and textbooks. You will not be allowed to take any part of the coursework home. You are allowed to use notes and textbooks when writing up the coursework.

Please note that students studying at Tycoch are able to sit CH1 and CH4 in January.

Duration:Two years | Qualification: A Level | Level: Level 3

Delivery

A substantial part of the first term involves experimental work on group 2 and group 7 chemistry. The two AS practical assessments are carried out during class time but treated as an external examination and marked by the WJEC.

The assessments are taken from the areas of quantitative analysis and stoichiometry and thermochemistry. Candidates will be given the opportunity to acquire the given skills before they are assessed.

End of topic tests and mock exams are used to monitor student progress.

The volume and complexity of the AS Chemistry course demands that students develop individual learning strategies. A variety of teaching styles are therefore used to suit the subject.

During the second year (A2) a substantial part of the first term involves experimental work on Redox reactions as preparation for the A2 inorganic assessment. The two A2 practical assessments are carried out during class time but treated as an external examination and marked by the WJEC.

The assessments are taken from the areas of inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. The first assessment involves the preparation of an inorganic compound and the analysis of the compound using volumetric analysis. The second assessment involves devising and applying a procedure to identify several unknown organic compounds.

Candidates will be given the opportunity to acquire the given skills before they are assessed.

The volume and complexity of the A2 Chemistry course demands that students improve the learning strategies acquired during their first year AS course.

Additional strategies are therefore taught to help the learner cope with the volume and complexity of the subject material.

Throughout the two years, students are taught by two lecturers and class contact time is 4.5 hours. Homeworks are regularly set. End of topic tests and mock exams are used to monitor student progress.

Requirements

In order to study AS Chemistry the following grades are preferred: , BB GCSE Double Award Science, C GCSE Triple Award Science, B GCSE English or B GCSE Maths.

A2 candidates will preferably have at least a high D grade at AS Level if they are to cope successfully with the rigour and complexity of the A2 course.

A sound knowledge and understanding of chemical formulae and balancing equations is required as is a good understanding of organic nomenclature, organic terminology and organic mechanisms.

Progression

A2 Level Chemistry will allow you to obtain a higher qualification and open up greater career opportunities.

A2 Chemistry is a compulsory requirement of many Higher Education courses including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy. Most of theses courses are now asking for a grade A in A2 Chemistry.

Additional Information

When carrying out practical work, you are provided with laboratory coats and safety goggles. The strongest chemistry students are entered for the Royal Society of Chemistry: Chemistry Olympiad for sixth form students

All students are encouraged to become members of the Royal Society for Chemistry ChemNet group.

ChemNet Ambassadors have visited the college to talk to the students about the benefits of joining Chemnet whilst also offering a short talk opening their eyes to careers using chemistry.

Contact:01792 890700