Chemistry

Course summary

The course builds on the skills and knowledge developed at GCSE initially, including bonding, structure and quantitative chemistry. The course is then effectively split into three traditional areas of chemistry: physical, organic and inorganic, giving you a greater understanding of why chemical reactions happen and how these can be manipulated. You’ll spend a significant amount of time in the lab developing your analytical skills, carrying out investigations and learning how to synthesise organic molecules. You’ll have the opportunity to enter into a number of prestigious academic competitions including the RSC Chemistry Olympiad, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the RSC Young Analyst Competition. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a research project with Newcastle University’s Chemistry department as part of the Complementary Studies programme, with the possibility of achieving a CREST award. Throughout the course, you’ll receive regular feedback on your work and take departmental tests based on exam-style questions.