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Chemistry

Chemistry plays a role in all our lives.

It is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, clean air, water and soil. Chemical technologies provide solutions to problems in health, materials and energy usage which are crucial in the continual development of society. Chemistry is often referred to as the central science, as it joins together physics, mathematics, biology, medicine, the earth and environmental sciences.

The study of Chemistry is both a fascinating and varied subject. You will study a variety of concepts and develop your practical skills through the practical endorsement part of the course. Throughout the two years you will develop your scientific methodology, build awareness of the advances in technology and recognition of the value of chemistry in society.

Entry Requirements

2 x Grade 6 in GCSE Science OR 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science
Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics*
*if student achieves Grade 5 in Maths they must study Core Maths

What will I study?

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry 
  • Practical skills assessed in a written examination
  • Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry 
  • Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
  • Amount of substance
  • Acid-base and redox reactions
  • Electrons, bonding and structure
Module 3: Periodic Table and Energy
  • The periodic table and periodicity
  • Group 2 metals and the halogens
  • Qualitative analysis
  • Enthalpy changes
  • Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)
Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry
  • Basic concepts
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Alcohols and haloalkanes
  • Organic synthesis
Module 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
  • Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
  • pH and buffers
  • Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
  • Redox and electrode potentials
  • Transition elements
Module 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis
  • Aromatic, carbonyl and nitrogen compounds
  • Carboxylic acids and esters
  • Polymers
  • Organic synthesis
  • Chromatography and Spectroscopy (NMR, IR and MS)

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1

  • 2 hours 15 minutes
  • 100 marks
  • Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
  • This is worth 37% of your final mark

Paper 2

  • 2 hours 15 minutes
  • 100 marks
  • Synthesis and analytical techniques
  • This is worth 37% of your final mark

Paper 3

  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 70 marks
  • Unified chemistry
  • This is a synoptic paper and is worth 26% of your final marks

What else can I get involved in?

For information on all our enrichment opportunities, please see our enrichment programme here.

Further Education and Careers in Chemistry

Courses you could study at university include:

  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Forensic Science
  • Pharmacy
  • Psychology

Careers which require a Chemistry qualification include:

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Clinical Scientist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Research Scientist 
  • Scientific Laboratory Technician
  • Toxicologist

Preparation Work

You need to complete these tasks over Summer to prepare you for your studies.