CHEMISTRY
This specification will give students the skills and understanding to make decisions about the way Chemistry affects your everyday life by applying concepts into contemporary areas of chemistry
including:
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Climate change
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Green chemistry
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Pharmaceuticals
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Chemistry research
A’LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENT
AS
AS 1:
Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic
Chemistry
AS 2:
Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and Introduction to Organic Chemistry
AS 3:
Practical Assessment
A2
A2 1:
Periodic Trends and Further Organic, Physical and
Inorganic Chemistry
A2 2:
Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Further Organic Chemistry
A2 3:
Practical Assessment
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
AS
You will complete a written exam that lasts for 90 minutes for each of AS1 and 2. AS 3 is timetabled and taken by candidates under controlled conditions. It comprises of two sessions of 60 minutes and 90 minutes.
A2
You will complete a written exam that lasts for 120 minutes for each of A21 and 2. A2 3 is timetabled and taken by candidates under controlled conditions. It comprises of two sessions of 60 minutes and 90 minutes.
KEY FEATURES
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GCE Chemistry gives you the opportunity to study a core of key concepts in greater detail.
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Many of the ideas first covered at GCSE will be revisited but with a greater emphasis on explaining rather than simply describing the behaviour of molecules.
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While studying GCE Chemistry you will develop practical skills that include making observations, collecting data, analysing experimental results and formulating conclusions.
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You will also gain an appreciation of how scientific models are developed and evolve the applications and implications of science.
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The benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.
RECOMMENDED SUBJECT/S AND GRADES AT GCSE
Minimum: 80% in the Chemistry component of Double Award Science.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Chemistry is a very versatile science. Mastery of Chemistry is associated with excellent analytical and mathematical skills. Students of Chemistry are able to solve problems and think things through. These skills are useful for a range of careers the following courses all require Chemistry at most universities:
Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Material Sciences,
Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences.
OTHER INFORMATION
GCE in Chemistry allows you to develop a range of generic skills requested by both employers and universities. For instance, a successful GCE level chemist will be an effective problem-solver and be able to communicate efficiently both orally and with the written word. Handling data will be a key part of your work, allowing you to demonstrate information retrieval skills as well as use of numeracy and ICT. You will build up a range of practical skills that require creativity and accuracy as well as developing a firm understanding of health and safety issues. As chemistry is a subject in which much learning stems from experimental work it is likely that you will need to work effectively as part of a group, developing team participation and leadership skills.