Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry is often called ‘the central science’ because it connects the laws of physics governing matter, thermodynamics and kinetics, with life and applied sciences such as biology, medicine and engineering. The goal of A-level Chemistry is to provide pupils with not only a conceptual framework to understand chemistry but also the advanced problem-solving skills essential to chemistry and all related sciences. Chemistry, of course, is a fascinating subject in its own right. Not only is their beauty in the fundamentals of the science itself but there is also the potential to apply the principles learnt towards solving many of our grandest global challenges. Chemists around the world are currently working on eradicating HIV, developing “smarter” and more sustainable materials, and working out how to power our planet for centuries to come. The A-level course is built around the four areas that underpin chemistry: organic chemistry (the chemistry of carbon and its compounds), inorganic chemistry (the chemistry of the groups of the Periodic Table, including main group chemistry and transition metal chemistry), physical chemistry (including thermodynamics and kinetics) and analytical chemistry (including advanced spectrometry and spectroscopy). Within each of these areas, a strong emphasis is placed on mathematics, with approximately a quarter of each paper based on chemical calculations.