Chemistry

Course summary

Why does ice float? Why do people put salt on icy roads? Why do onions make you cry? How does aspirin stop pain in your body? Can you turn lead into gold? These are all questions you can answer by studying Chemistry A Level. Chemistry A Level will also give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. It covers the key concepts of chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes studying A Level Chemistry highly valued as a subject. You will learn about chemistry in a range of different contexts, the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. You will learn to investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts. What will I learn? Atoms, compounds, molecules and Enthalpy, entropy and free energy equations Redox and electrode potentials Amount of substance Transition elements Acid–base and redox reactions Organic chemistry Electrons, bonding and structure Polymers The periodic table and periodicity Organic synthesis Group 2 and the halogens Analytical techniques (IR and MS) Reaction rates and equilibrium Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR) pH and buffers Emphasis throughout the course is on developing knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving. You will learn how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.