Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry is the central science and impacts all aspects of our lives. An understanding of Chemistry is necessary for all other sciences from astronomy to zoology. All of the materials used by engineers and technologists are made by chemical reactions and we all experience chemical reactions continuously, whether it be breathing or baking a cake, driving a car or listening to a battery-driven MP3 player. Chemistry is concerned with all aspects of molecules, their physical and chemical properties, their composition and structure, their synthesis and use in the 21st century. Chemistry is an essential A-level subject for those planning to apply for Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Pharmacy. However, it is a subject that can be combined not only with Mathematics and other Science subjects but also with many from the Arts and Humanities. It is always highly regarded by universities and employers alike. Chemistry is one of the most popular subjects in the college and the department is thriving, with over 100 students studying the subject at A level. The department offers a variety of courses, including: • a standard two-year A-level • a one-year intensive A-level • an upper sixth transfer, for those who wish to study A level at Brampton having studied AS elsewhere • GCSE (one year) Students are studying the OCR GCE Chemistry A specification. The content is split into six teaching modules: Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry Module 2 – Foundations chemistry Module 3 – Periodic table and energy Module 4 – Core organic chemistry Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements Module 6 – Organic Chemistry The specification has been designed to be co-teachable with the stand-alone AS Level in Chemistry A qualification at the end of the first year. The first four modules comprise the AS Level in Chemistry A course and students studying the A Level continue with the content of modules 5 and 6.