Course type: A level & Applied • Awarding/exam body: AQA
Chemistry is the fascinating study of chemical ideas which are all around us and shape our lives. From the atom to the zwitterion, the concepts covered will amaze and engage you, whilst broadening your scientific understanding. You will apply mathematical understanding in a practical setting and build towards researching and designing your own experiments. All of the skills developed will prepare you for an exciting future in whatever field you choose.
It is recommended to study Chemistry with Biology, and/or Physics. It is also complemented by Mathematics.
Physical Chemistry
Including: atomic structure; bonding; kinetics; chemical equilibria; redox; acids and bases.
Inorganic Chemistry
Including: the alkaline earth metals, the halogens: transition metals
Organic chemistry
Including: organic analysis; optical isomerism; aldehydes and ketones; polymers; amino acids, proteins and DNA; organic synthesis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; chromatography.
Assessment is 100% examination-based, with twelve standard experiments being assessed and awarded independently.
The subject is useful for a wide range of higher education courses and careers including those in the physical sciences (engineering, environmental scientist), biological sciences (biochemistry, medicine, veterinary science and other areas of healthcare) and other related scientific areas such as forensic science and chemical research. Chemistry is also a facilitating subject for other areas such as law, education and journalism.
To qualify to study 3 A level/ Applied subjects, you will need to achieve 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at grade 4 or above.
In addition/ within those 6 GCSEs, for this subject you will need to achieve Grade 6 in Maths and grade 5 in English Language, Grade 6 in Core Science and Grade 7 in Additional Science; GCSE score of 4.8 or above (N.B. Applied Science not accepted) OR Grade 6 in Maths and grade 5 in English Language, Grade 7 in Core Science and Grade 6 in Additional Science; GCSE score of 4.8 or above (N.B. Applied Science not accepted) OR Grade 6 in Maths and grade 5 in English Language, Grade 6 in Chemistry and Grade 6 in either Biology or Physics; GCSE score of 4.8 or above (N.B. Applied Science not accepted)
- Visits to Kingston University for a Pharmacy and Chemistry subject insight day, including practical session in the undergraduate labratories.
- Opportunity to take part in several prestigious competitive events including the Royal Society of Chemistry
- Olympiad exam, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the Royal Society of Chemistry Analyst competition.
- Interactive Spectroscopy in a Suitcase workshop with the Royal Society of Chemistry.