Chemistry

Course summary

Level Chemists develop an in-depth understanding of chemicals and how they influence everyday life. Students learn how to synthesise organic chemicals which is relevant in the pharmaceutical world as they form the basis of important medicinal drugs. The chemistry content of the A Level course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established at GCSE. The A Level course covers the full range of Organic, Inorganic and Physical aspects of Chemistry. Students will have opportunities to develop a combination of independent and cooperative strategies in their learning and practical tasks, as well as their enquiry and problem-solving skills. The three main branches of Chemistry are studied in great depth. Physical Chemistry Atomic structure, amount of substance, kinetics, energetics, equilibria, bonding, redox, thermodynamics, the rate equation, acids and bases, equilibrium constant kp, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells. Organic Chemistry Introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, alkenes, halogen alkanes, alcohols, organic analysis, Inorganic Chemistry: periodicity, Group 1 elements, Group 7 elements, optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, chromatography, organic synthesis, and NMR spectroscopy. Inorganic Chemistry Properties of period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals and reactions of ions in aqueous solution.