Chemistry
Overview
The course involves a study of the fundamental processes behind a huge range of natural and man-made phenomena and provides a range of skills that are relevant to a wide variety of fields – an emphasis on numerical, communication and problem-solving skills in addition to the teamwork involved in the practical situation. While there is a need for learning of facts to provide the groundwork for the subject, the emphasis is on the understanding and application of ideas. The specification introduces the new field of environmental chemistry.
Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry – the basic structures of substances are considered at both the sub-atomic and molecular levels and are related to ideas of chemical bonding and the position the element occupies in the Periodic Table. An introduction to the vast field of carbon chemistry completes the unit.
Unit 2: Chemistry in Action – chemical energetics and kinetics are introduced as essentials to understanding the factors that affect the outcomes of chemical processes. Further work on carbon chemistry is also incorporated.
A2 Level
Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry – this unit extends the study of physical and organic chemistry developed in units 1 and 2.
Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry – the study of fundamental principles encountered in unit 2 is extended with a particular emphasis on the transition elements.
Unit 3 in AS and unit 6 in A2 are not examined in June but involve the internal assessment of practical work which is done throughout the course.
Assessment
Coursework (20%)
Examination (80%)
Examining Board – AQA.
Special Entry Requirements
B grade or above in GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Chemistry and a B grade or above in GCSE Mathematics.
Prohibited Options
None.
Career and Progression Opportunities
The wide range of skills developed during Advanced Level Chemistry mean that it is a highly regarded qualification for a vast range of courses in Higher Education, both Science and non-Science based.
Coursework
Coursework (at both AS and A2 level) requires a written ISA test of one hour length taken under exam conditions.
Teaching Methods
The department uses a wide variety of teaching styles appropriate to the topic being considered. We increasingly use I.C.T., having access to data projectors in all of our teaching rooms and a large variety of activities on the College virtual learning environment. Chemistry is a practical science and we complete practical sessions every week. Workshop sessions are offered everyday of the week after College to support students.
Cost Implications
There are no specific costs involved in studying A Level Chemistry, but we strongly encourage AS students to buy two booklets endorsed by the Examination Board to support the three-year 12 units. These presently cost approximately £6.00 each.
Links to External Organisations
The department has strong links with Nottingham University; a large group of students visit the university every year for talks and practical demonstrations. We offer the opportunity for about 20 AS students to carry out one of the university-level practical projects, which includes work in the university laboratories and preparation for a presentation which can be used as the basis of extended project in the A2 year.
Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses
Our students now take the whole range of AS subjects to run alongside their study of Chemistry. However, it is clear that if students take either Biology or Physics in addition to Chemistry, they will benefit from the broad similarities of a study of the three major sciences, as well as being provided with a firm base for scientifically-based university courses or careers.
This information is correct for September 2012 entry.