Chemistry

Course summary

Choose to study Chemistry at Brighouse Sixth Form College and study a fascinating and challenging subject; students will develop their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of chemical processes, techniques and procedures split into three disciplines. Physical chemistry is the study of macroscopic, atomic, subatomic and particulate phenomena in chemical systems. Inorganic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties and reactions of inorganic compounds. Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties and reactions of organic compounds, and is concerned with the vast amount of covalent compounds of the element carbon. Students will have to apply their knowledge in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts, and when handling quantitative and qualitative data. A-level Chemistry includes a significant amount of demanding mathematical content; this ranges from basic mole calculations to the manipulation of more complex mathematical expressions, including the calculation of chemical constants. The ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate information, ideas and evidence is also very important. Students are expected to make appropriate judgements, reach conclusions, and develop and refine practical designs and procedures. Teachers will assess a practical endorsement; students will be expected to develop and demonstrate competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams. Students will achieve a pass or fail in this area, which will appear on their qualification certificate, this assessment will not contribute to their overall grade. A good grade in A-level Chemistry is a requirement of many undergraduate courses, including medicine, in addition to a wide range of courses and careers within the chemical sciences. These include chemical engineering, material science, biochemistry and forensic science. Students studying Chemistry often pair it with an A-level in another science; this not only brings benefits to them whilst studying their A-levels but also opens up to them a much wider selection of undergraduate courses and career paths.