CHEMISTRY A LEVEL

‘All that glitters may not be gold, but at least it contains free electrons.’
John Desmond Baernal (Irish physicist, 1901-1971)

Why Study Chemistry?

Chemistry remains one of the most vigorous and demanding of A levels especially suited to those students also studying other sciences such as Maths, Physics and Chemistry. It is an essential choice for those wishing to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and other related subjects

Ashbourne’s Chemistry Department

The Chemistry department is headed by Chris Todd, an honours graduate of The University of East Anglia. Chris is vastly experienced and committed to extracting the best from his students, many of whom are medical school aspirants, and therefore in need of the best grades possible. Chris is a long suffering supporter of Ipswich Town Football Club, a keen sports fan, and a competition standard chess player.

Examination Board

Ashbourne follows the Edexcel specification for Chemistry. However we are able to offer Salters and Nuffield specifications for retake candidates. The Edexcel specification has been endorsed by the QCA for teaching from September 2008.

Units

Unit One: The Core Principles of Chemistry

Formulae, equations and amounts of substance; Energetics; Atomic Structure and The Periodic table; Bonding; Introductory Organic Chemistry;

Unit Two: Application of Core Principles of Chemistry

Shapes of molecules and ions; Intermediate bonding and bond polarity; Intermolecular forces; Redox; The Periodic table groups 2 & 7; Kinetics; Chemical Equilibria; Organic Chemistry; Mechanisms; Mass spectra and IR; Green Chemistry;

Unit three: This is coursework assessed

Unit Four: Application of Core Principles of Chemistry

How fast – rates; How far – entropy; Equilibria; Application of rates and Equilibrium; Acid/base equilibria; Further organic chemistry; Spectroscopy and Chromatography;

Unit Five: Application of Core Principles of Chemistry

General Principles of Chemistry II — Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry; Redox and the chemistry of the transition metals; Organic chemistry — arenes, nitrogen compounds and synthesis;

Possible University Degree Programmes Suited to A-level Chemistry

The course lays a firm foundation for anyone wishing to pursue any one of a wide range of courses at degree level including Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Dentistry, Genetics, Medicine, Pharmacology, Physiology, Sports Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology.