Course Full Title: A Level Chemistry
Exam Board: Edexcel
Specification Code: 9CH0
Why study Chemistry?
A Level Chemistry is a very well-regarded qualification; achieving an A Level in Chemistry demonstrates to universities and employers that you possess excellent problem-solving skills, are able to think and communicate in a logical way and are confident in understanding and applying abstract ideas. A Level Chemistry will allow you to make sense of the molecular world around you and understand why chemical reactions happen as they do, it will enable you to understand the research, development and production of substances from new pharmaceuticals to smart materials and critically review science in the media.
What will I study over the two years?
A Level chemistry covers 19 discrete Chemistry topics across the two year A Level course covering the three main themes of Chemistry; Inorganic, Organic and Physical.
At the end of the course you will sit three external A Level exam papers worth 100% of the final grade. You will also undertake a series of 12 core practical activities leading to a practical endorsement alongside the final A Level grade achieved. This does not count towards the final grade however does demonstrate to Universities and employers your practical abilities.
What makes a good Chemistry student?
The most effective Chemistry students are open-minded, imaginative, argumentative, methodical and logical. If you wonder about the world and how it works Chemistry A Level may be a good choice for you. Chemistry is a rewarding but challenging course that builds on the higher concepts learnt at GCSE, students who like to ask the questions ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what’ and are keen to find out the answers will find themselves motivated by this subject.
Where could A Level Chemistry take me?
Chemistry A Leve develops a wide range of desirable skills and is an excellent stepping stone to many University courses and careers – it has obvious relevance for medicine and veterinary science, as well as jobs in industries such as drugs and medicine manufacture, agriculture, brewing, food, biotechnology and forensic science. Chemistry is a facilitating subject and as such is highly thought of by Universities and employers alike, it will open doors to a wide variety of University courses and careers. The vast majority of Universities offering medicine degrees require you to have studied A Level Chemistry.
What are the entrance requirements?
- 2 x Grade 6 or above in Science
- 5 or more grades 5-9; including equivalents across at least 5 subjects
- Maths and English Language Grade 6 or above
- Average GCSE GRADE of at least 4.75 (average of ALL GCSE full courses taken)