Chemistry

Back

Is this course for me?

This course requires you to be competent at mathematics in areas such as standard form, rearranging equations and problem solving. It is a challenging course but if you work hard from the start by reading through notes, reading around the subject and practising questions then you will be successful.

Specific Entry Requirements: Higher tier GCSE chemistry grade 6+ or higher tier combined (trilogy) science grades 6+, 6+

The Basics…..

  • Develop practical skills
  • Gain deeper understanding of the concepts of Chemistry
  • Be able to solve problems
  • Advised to study another science and/or mathematics as well

What will I learn?

Content is in six modules, each divided into key topics:

1. Development of practical skills in chemistry

  • Practical skills assessed in a written examination
  • Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

2. Foundations in chemistry

  • Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
  • Amount of substance
  • Acid–base and redox reactions
  • Electrons, bonding and structure

3. Periodic table & energy

  • The periodic table and periodicity
  • Group 2 and the halogens
  • Qualitative analysis
  • Enthalpy changes
  • Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative) 

4: Core organic chemistry

  • Basic concepts
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Alcohols and haloalkanes
  • Organic synthesis
  • Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

5. Physical chemistry & transition elements

  • Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
  • pH and buffers
  • Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
  • Redox and electrode potentials
  • Transition elements

6. Organic chemistry & analysis

  • Aromatic compounds
  • Carbonyl compounds
  • Carboxylic acids and esters
  • Nitrogen compounds
  • Polymers
  • Organic synthesis
  • Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

Anything else I need to know?

The exam paper questions range in style from multiple choice to essay style questions. Questions involving mathematics and questions involving practical work will each make up 20% of the assessment total.

Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement (component 04).

Future careers:

  • Chemistry
  • Chemical engineering
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Science
  • Biochemistry

Year 12 Chemistry Curriculum

Year 13 Chemistry Curriculum