Sixth Form Subject Guide 2019-2021 REDRAFTED Sixth Form Choices Guide | Page 16
A Level Chemistry (AQA)
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr M Kemp ([email protected])
Entry Requirements Grade C in GCSE Chemistry or 6:6 in Combined Science or equivalent.
Where next? Any student considering studying Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science must study
chemistry. Other courses that benefit from study of subject include natural sciences, (chemical)
engineering, biochemical and biomedical sciences, pharmacology and a host of other science
related degree courses.
Chemistry is regarded as one of the hardest A-Level subjects. However, the skills developed on
the course are transferable to a range of other subject areas including economics, business and
law. Anyone embarking on the course must relish a challenge, demonstrate a willingness to
persevere and avoid chemistry as an “add on” subject. The rigours of learning chemistry mean it
is suitable for those who are interested in the subject and willing to leave their academic comfort
zone.
Careers such as medicine, forensics, environmental science, drug discovery and marine biology
are just a handful of careers that benefit directly from chemistry. Indirectly, through the skills
you learn while studying Chemistry, it is also great training for careers in law, business and
finance, consultancy, investment banking, publishing and sales, and marketing. Successful
chemistry students can dissect novel problems, gather information and produce unequivocal
solutions. They are, more importantly able to communicate those solutions in clear and concise
language to a range of audiences. These are skills which are of great value in both academia and
the world of work.
A-Level (AQA)
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Chemistry is divided into 3 disciplines:
Organic – study of carbon-based molecules.
Inorganic – study of the rest of the periodic table.
Physical – study of the laws underlying what atoms and molecules do.
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
The course consists of three linear exams sat at the end of two years.
Paper 1: 35% Physical and Inorganic Chemistry (short and long answer questions)
Paper 2: 30% Physical and Organic Chemistry (short and long answer questions)
Paper 3: 30% Practical techniques and Synoptic (data analysis and multiple-choice questions)
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