Chemistry

Course summary

Physical chemistry: Including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle , thermodynamics, rate equations, the equilibrium constant Kp, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells Inorganic chemistry Including periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7 - the halogens, properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution. Organic chemistry: Including introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis, optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography. Studying Chemistry at A-level allows you to obtain a whole range of highly desirable skills essential to a successful career. Developing practical skills, working with others in a team, writing reports, summarising articles, analysing trends and data, problem solving and improved organisational skills. There will be visits linked to the syllabus to enhance and enrich learning & input from specialist speakers on topics linked to the syllabus.