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Level 3
AQA L3 A Level in Chemistry
COURSE OVERVIEW
A Level Chemistry is a rigorous, rewarding course that builds on the concepts and skills developed at GCSE. In your first year you will learn about atomic structure, moles, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, periodicity, hydrocarbons, alcohols, halogenoalkanes and equilibria. In year 2 you will progress to more complex topics such as thermodynamics, transition metals, aromatic chemistry and acids, bases and buffers. You will experience a range of teaching styles, including whole class teaching, group work and independent study tasks. The course will enable you to develop critical thinking through problem solving. Through experimental work and interpretation of your results, you will understand the unifying ideas in chemistry. You will develop your ability to communicate through discussion, writing, summarising, using formulae, graphs and calculations. You will use models to help you understand reactions at a molecular level. Through background reading and wider research, you will develop an appreciation of the social, environmental, economic and technological importance of chemistry.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including grade 4 in English Language, grade 6 in Maths and a 6 in Chemistry plus a 6 in another Science. You need to be fully confident with all chemistry topics covered at GCSE. You also need good mathematical skills -; at least a grade 6 in GCSE. You should be interested in the importance of science in modern society and enjoy practical work.
Chemistry combines particularly well with Biology, Maths and Physics – we recommend you select at least one of these in addition to Chemistry. Psychology or Geography are also popular combinations. This qualification will help you get ahead in most STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers and more besides. Chemistry is an important subject for careers in: medicine, environmental science, engineering, toxicology, developing consumer products, metallurgy (studying how metals behave), space exploration, developing perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, software development and research.
There will be three 2-hour exams taken at the end of the course. These will include different styles of questions such as multiple choice, chemistry calculations, short structured questions and questions that require a longer response. Approximately 20% of the questions will require the use of mathematics and 15% of the total marks will be based on practical skills. Your teachers will assess your progress at the end of year 1 and you will require a minimum of a D grade to progress to year 2. For students not achieving this grade, we offer a wide range of alternative courses such as a fast track Applied Science.
TBC
You will develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It helps if you can challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. You will need teamwork and communication skills too, when working on practical tasks and carrying out projects. You will also need to be confident with the mathematical calculations involved and writing extended answers using scientific language.