Chemistry A Level

Course Highlights:
Learning high level practical skills to manufacture an aspirin sample.

Desirable skills:
Good at problem solving and enthusiasm for a challenge.

Other subjects that work well with this course are:

• Biology
• Physics
• Maths
• Geography

Why study Chemistry at A Level?
Have you ever wondered… why does ice float? Why do you put salt on icy roads? Why do onions make you cry? How is nylon made? How do you make biodiesel?
A level chemistry gives an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. Chemistry is an important and exciting subject which is widely accepted as a strong foundation for higher education and a broad spectrum of rewarding scientific careers.
Learners who enjoy making sense of abstract concepts will enjoy the challenges of a subject which is a constant source of innovation: it is hard to imagine any product introduced in recent times that did not require the creative efforts of a chemist.

Course overview

• Students will learn through taught lessons revising basic concepts and building on these to enable the harder concepts to be understood more easily.
• The two-year course is divided into studies of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry topics including kinetics, thermodynamics and reaction mechanisms.
• Practical chemistry is an essential feature of A level study and lots of new techniques will be encountered and perfected.
• Over the course duration, students will develop key problem-solving skills and excellent analytical and practical skills.

Students studying Chemistry will:

• Have a chance to use excellent equipment and laboratories to synthesise organic compounds.
• Investigate different aspects of drug synthesis, industrial methods and research techniques.
• Apply knowledge to new situations and link ideas in the huge puzzle that is chemistry.

Progression routes and future careers

• Chemistry is one of the most highly regarded qualifications available and will equip students with a host of transferable skills including analytical abilities, applied mathematics, report writing and fine motor skills form the practical element.
• Chemistry is a required A level subject in many professional degree courses including medicine, veterinary science and pharmacy. It is highly regarded for other degree courses such as law, mathematics and accountancy. Above all an A level in chemistry indicates to universities and employers that a student is very able and hard working.