Chemistry is a key science that has a natural link with Biological, Physical and Earth
Sciences. You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of
chemistry and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations. There
will be an opportunity to develop awareness of advances in information technology and
instrumentation relevant to chemistry and to appreciate the contribution of chemistry to
society.
Key features of the course
AS
In the first year there are two theory units to be studied. Paper 1 & Paper 2 will be examined
in June. Practical skills will be developed throughout the course through the teaching of the
two theory models. These skills will be assessed through papers 1 & 2 in June. This is a
standalone qualification.
A2
There are 3 papers for A2. All papers are 2 hours in length and will be taken in June.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
You will find this course challenging and enjoyable if you want to know more about the
structure, properties and reactions of chemicals that make up the living and physical world
around us and if you are excited by abstract concepts such as atoms and their interactions.
What could this course lead to?
Chemistry can usefully be combined with a number of subjects: Physics, Maths, Biology and
Geography.
Information about Chemistry and future careers can be found at www.rsc.org. A level
Chemistry could lead to a degree in a vast range of related subject such as Medicine,
Physiology, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Food Technology, Biochemistry, Materials
Science and Pharmacology. Chemistry A level is also a useful qualification for careers in the
food, textiles and materials industries.
Entry requirements
Students should have a minimum of Grade B in GCSE Additional Science or Chemistry
across all the written modules and also have a Grade B in Maths.
AS
Paper 1
Topics
3.1 Physical chemistry
3.1.1 Atomic structure
3.1.2 Amount of substance
3.1.3 Bonding
3.1.4 Energetics
3.1.5 Kinetics
3.1.6 Chemical equilibria and Le
Chatelier's principle
3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox
equations
Style of Assessment
1 hour 30 minutes (50% AS mark)
Relevant Physical Chemistry topics
(3.1.1-3.1.4 & 3.1.6 & 3.1.7
Inorganic Chemistry (section 3.2)
Relevant practical skills
Mixture of short & long answer
questions & multiple choice section
3.2 Inorganic chemistry
3.2.1 Periodicity
3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens
AS
Paper 2
Topics
See above
3.3 Organic chemistry
3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
3.3.2 Alkanes
3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
3.3.4 Alkenes
3.3.5 Alcohols
3.3.6 Organic analysis
A2
Paper 1
Topics
3.1 Physical chemistry
3.1.1 Atomic structure
3.1.2 Amount of substance
3.1.3 Bonding
3.1.4 Energetics
3.1.5 Kinetics
3.1.6 Chemical equilibria and Le
Chatelier's principle
3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox
equations
3.1.8 Thermodynamics (A-level only)
3.1.9 Rate equations (A-level only)
3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kc for
homogeneous systems (A-level only)
3.1.11 Electrode potentials and
electrochemical cells (A-level only)
3.1.12 Acids and bases (A-level only)
3.2 Inorganic chemistry
3.2.1 Periodicity
3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens
3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements
and their oxides (A-level only)
3.2.5 Transition metals (A-level only)
3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous
solution (A-level only)
Style of Assessment
1 hour 30 minutes (50% AS mark)
Relevant Physical Chemistry topics
(3.1.2-3.1.6
Organic Chemistry (section 3.3)
Relevant practical skills
Mixture of short & long answer
questions & multiple choice section
Style of Assessment
2 hour written exam (35% A-Level)
Physical Chemistry 3.1.1-3.1.4, 3.1.63.1.8 & 3.1.10-3.1.12
Inorganic Chemistry (section 3.2)
Relevant practical skills
105 marks long & short answers
A2
Paper 2
Topics
See above
Paper 3
3.3 Organic chemistry
3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
3.3.2 Alkanes
3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
3.3.4 Alkenes
3.3.5 Alcohols
3.3.6 Organic analysis
3.3.7 Optical isomerism (A-level only)
3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones (A-level
only)
3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives
(A-level only)
3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)
3.3.11 Amines (A-level only)
3.3.12 Polymers (A-level only)
3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA
(A-level only)
3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A-level only)
3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy (A-level only)
3.3.16 Chromatography (A-level only)
See above
Style of Assessment
2 hour written exam (35% A-Level)
Physical Chemistry 3.1.2-3.1.6 & 3.1.9
Organic Chemistry (section 3.3)
Relevant practical skills
105 marks long & short answers
2 hour written exam (30% A-Level)
Any content & any practical skills can
be assessed in this unit
40 marks – practical techniques & data
analysis
20 marks – synoptic
30 marks – multiple choice
Course details
Awarding body:
Course title:
Contact:
Telephone:
Email:
AQA
Chemistry 7404/7405
Ms E Loj
0115 9775380
eloj@emmanuel.nottingham.sch.uk