Menu

Chemistry

A Level Chemistry

Staff within the Department

Mrs Ferchichi                - Head of Chemistry

B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry, P.G.C.E. (Secondary) Science/Chemistry

Mrs Patel                       - Head of Science

B.Sc. (Hons) Biochemistry, P.G.C.E. (Secondary) Science/Chemistry

Ms Farrell                      - Teacher of Science/Chemistry/Head of Year   

B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry, P.G.C.E. (Secondary) Science/Chemistry

Dr D O’Flynn                 – Teacher of Chemistry

B.Sc. (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry, PhD. Organic Chemistry, P.G.C.E. (Secondary) Science/Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy. Many people think of chemists as being white-coated scientists mixing strange liquids in a laboratory, but the truth is we are all chemists. Chemistry is part of everything in our lives. 

Chemistry is involved in everything we do, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and bodies to launching a space shuttle. Chemistry is one of the physical sciences that help us to describe and explain our world.

Chemical research has led to the discovery and development of new and improved synthetic fibres, paints, adhesives, drugs, cosmetics, electronic components, lubricants, and thousands of other products. Chemistry spurs advances in medicine, agriculture, forensic science, food processing and other fields.

 

To study Chemistry, you need to be both dedicated and interested in the subject.

Strong organisational, research and time management skills are also essential. 

Chemistry is a practical subject hence good practical skills are useful and you will develop these throughout the course. A level Chemistry is a challenging, though fascinating, subject. To excel in Chemistry, you need to have strong literacy and numeracy skills. Chemistry will help you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It will help to you challenge ideas and show how you to work out problems through logic and step-by-step reasoning.

 

We follow the AQA specification.

AS Chemistry, 7404 and A-level Chemistry, 7405

Link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/chemistry-7404-7405

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course outline:

 

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Year 12

  • Atomic structure
  • Bonding
  • Amount of Substance
  • Energetics
  • Kinetics
  • Introduction to Organic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Group 2
  • Group 7
  • Chemical Equilibria
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Organic analysis

 

Year 13

  • Kp
  • Thermodynamics
  • Rate equations
  • Organic chemistry
  • Acids and bases
  • Period 3
  • Electrode potential and electrochemical cells
  • Organic chemistry

 

  • Polymers
  • Organic Synthesis
  • Chromatography
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance

 

 

  • Revision and examination practice

 

 

Activities to do at home      

We recommend the following websites to Chemistry students.

 

 

 

Enrichment Activities and Trips

 

Royal Society of Chemistry competitions

Spectroscopy in a suitcase

Lectures at the Royal Institute

 

 

 

 

Career Paths

Chemistry is an important subject for careers in: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, environmental science, engineering, toxicology, developing consumer products, metallurgy (studying how metals behave), space exploration, developing perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, software development and research.

Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry are amongst the fastest growing areas of Applied Science with Pharmaceutical companies in particular being major contributors to the U.K. economy.

There are also many new exciting careers based on the Environmental Sciences such as pollution control, toxic waste treatment and the development of improved methods of food production.  Established chemical companies such as BP, Glaxo and ICI employ large numbers of chemistry graduates and post- graduates for research and management posts.

In addition, A Level Chemistry provides you with analytical skills which are valued in many careers such as law and accountancy.

 

Medicine

Chemical research

Engineering

Biochemical research

Dentistry

Metallurgy

Environmental health

Pharmacy

 

Forensic Science

Veterinary science

Food Technology

Teaching

Conservation

Dietetics

Science Communication

Manufacturing

Art Restoration

Palaeontology

Petrochemicals

Pharmaceuticals