Chemistry is a basic science whose central concerns are:

• the structure and behaviour of atoms (elements)
• the composition and properties of compounds
• the reactions between substances with their accompanying energy exchange
• the laws that unite these phenomena into a comprehensive system
  

This new specification is designed to allow you to:

• gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills
• appreciate How Science Works and its relevance beyond the laboratory
• develop an enthusiasm for Chemistry
• study Chemistry in a contemporary context

AS Topics

Unit 1

• particles, composition of the nucleus, isotopes and use of mass spectrometer
• calculating the amount of substance
• ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and intermolecular forces
• the construction of the periodic table
• organic chemistry
• alkanes from crude oil

Unit 2

• collision theory and effect
• definitions of oxidation and reduction
• redox properties of halogens and halide ions
• the extraction of metals
• haloalkanes and alkenes

Unit 3

The practical skills which are essential to a Chemistry course at this level and fundamental to a greater understanding of How Science Works. Such skills include:

• making observations and measurements
• analysing and evaluating results

A2 Topics

Unit 4

• acids and bases
• nomenclature and Isomerism in organic chemistry
• compounds containing the carbonyl group
• amines; base properties and nucleophilic properties
• polymers
• organic synthesis and analysis

Unit 5

• thermodynamics
• periodicity; reactions of Period 3 elements
• redox equilibria
• general properties of transition metals

Unit 6

The practical skills which are essential to a Chemistry course at this level and fundamental to a greater understanding of How Science Works. Such skills include:

• making observations and measurements
• analysing and evaluating results

Where does it lead?

Studying Chemistry opens up lots prospects for careers and HE: anatomy, agricultural science, beauty therapy, biochemistry, biology, physics, engineering, chemistry, dentistry, food science, forestry, medicine, pathology, polymer science, veterinary science, zoology and many more.

Potential employers value the analytical and conceptual skills that are developed during the study of chemistry. Such skills coupled with the ability to work in a meticulous and accurate manner, enable chemistry students to pursue careers within, or outside, the vast area of Science.

Why you should study Chemistry?

Chemistry is the central science and impacts on all facets of our lives. An understanding of chemistry is necessary to all other sciences from astronomy to zoology. All of the materials used by engineers and technologists are made by chemical reactions and we all experience chemical reactions continuously, whether it be breathing or baking a cake, driving a car or listening to a battery driven minidisk player. Chemistry is concerned with all aspects of molecules, their physical and chemical properties, their compostion and structure, their synthesis and use in the 21st century.

The objectives of this course are to develop skills in:

• Selecting, organising and communicating relevant information in a variety of forms.
• Analysing and evaluating scientific knowledge and process.
• Applying scientific knowledge and processes in unfamiliar situations including those related to issues.
• Assessing the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information.
• Demonstrating and describing ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, Selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods
• Making, recording and communicating reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy.
• Analysing, interpreting, explaining and evaluating the methodology, results and impact of experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.

Skills for success

To study chemistry you should...

• have an enquiring mind
• be able to think clearly and logically
• be good at problem solving
• have a methodical, analytical approach to your work
• be able to work as part of a team
• be able to gather information, conduct research and analyze and evaluate data

Enrichment Activities

Revision Courses (London), Sussex University Industry Day.

Other Information

Textbook will be provided along with resources on the VLE. 

Where to find out more and prepare yourself for study

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/

http://www.rsc.org/Membership/Networking/ChemNet/