A Level Chemistry will develop your understanding of chemistry allowing you to explain the properties and structures of the molecules and compounds which make up the very world around you. The course takes a broad but detailed approach to chemistry where you will study a range of topics from the shapes of atoms to how cancer treatments work. A Level Chemistry is challenging but will allow you to work hard to develop new knowledge and see it applied in a variety of different situations. Practical work is spread throughout the course to complement the theoretical knowledge gained in lessons.
Each paper has a mixture of multiple-choice, short and long answer questions which include a range of maths skills.
Practical skills will also be assessed through the ‘Practical endorsement in chemistry’. This is not an exam. Instead, your teacher will assess whether or not you have adequately completed the skills required in 12 class practicals. This will then be reported as a pass or fail on your final A Level certificate but will not affect your grade.
Pupils often study Chemistry alongside Biology and Physics.
You could be a chemist or biochemist. Chemistry also provides essential knowledge for careers such as those in medicine, veterinary science, geology, dentistry, biology, engineering, forensic science, toxicology, nanotechnology, environmental law or policy making, patent law and teaching.
“Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.”