AS/A2 CHEMISTRY
Underpinning all the sciences
Awarding body
AQA
AS Level units
• Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry
• Unit 2: Chemistry in Action
• Unit 3: Externally marked practical
assessment
A2 Level units
• U
nit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic
Chemistry
• Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic
Chemistry
• Unit 6: Externally marked practical
assessment
Why choose Chemistry?
As the central science that leads on to all the others, chemistry helps us to understand
the world in which we live and underpins a wide range of science-based degree
courses and careers. Success with A Level Chemistry will prepare you for a future in
chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biomedical
sciences, medicine and dentistry.
At Woodhouse Sixth-Form College the A Level Chemistry course is designed to be
stimulating, enjoyable and challenging. We want you to develop a passion for the
subject and understand its practical relevance, as well as learn from the experiences
of those already in the industry. Class time is supported by trips, conferences,
spectroscopy workshops with UCL, the Cambridge University Chemistry Challenge,
the RSC Chemistry Olympiad and Membership to the RSC Chemnet.
What will you learn?
Minimum
requirement for
entry onto the course
• GCSE Mathematics, grade B, and
• GCSE Chemistry, grade B, and either Physics
or Biology, grade B
OR
• GSCE Core and Additional Science, grade BB
(It is a good idea to study AS Maths alongside
AS Chemistry)
A Level results
for 2013
95% A*–E, 62% A*–B
In the first year, Unit 1 takes your GCSE understanding and gives a clear foundational
introduction to this higher-level study. You’ll learn about atomic structure, amount of
substance, bonding, periodicity, organic chemistry and alkanes. Unit 2 will develop
this into understanding a practical application, through learning about energetics,
kinetics, equilibria, redox reactions, the halogens, the alkaline earth metals, extraction of materials, haloalkanes,
alkenes, alcohols, and techniques for analysis. At the end of the first year, in addition to exam papers on each of these
units, you will have a practical assessment to allow you to demonstrate your understanding and practice.
AS/A2
Chemistry
“I had no idea
that I would
enjoy it as
much as I do.
I love it so
much I am now
going to study
it at Uni.”
In the second year you will specialise in two particular areas. Unit 4 focuses on kinetics and equilibria, specifically
through the study of them alongside acids and bases, nomenclature and isomerism in organic chemistry, compounds
containing the carbonyl group, aromatic chemistry, amines, amino acids, structure determination and polymers and
organic synthesis and analysis. Unit 5 concentrates on energetics, redox and inorganic chemistry, through the study
of thermodynamics, periodicity, redox equilibria, transition metals and the reactions of inorganic compounds in
aqueous solution. Once again, each unit is assessed by examination as well as an investigative and practical
skills assessment.
Importantly, however, the skills learned on this course go far beyond the pure curriculum. This course will teach you
problem solving, teamwork, numeracy, communication, and practical skills, as well as hugely valuable independent
study and reasoning skills.
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