Chemistry

Welcome to A Level Chemistry at Kent College. The course is designed to be a natural continuation of GCSE/IGCSE Chemistry and involves the study of the three major branches of the subject: organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. It is considered to be the central science because of its links with other science disciplines. As you learn to develop a logical, analytical approach to solving problems, it can be both an exciting and challenging subject.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for the course is grade A at GCSE/IGCSE Chemistry or grades AA at GCSE/IGCSE Double Award Science. Sound mathematical skills are also required.

Course overview

The content of the OCR (A) Specification is divided into six modules that are further divided into key topics.

Module

Content

Module 1

Development of practical skills in Chemistry

Module 2

Foundations in Chemistry

Module 3

Periodic table and energy

Module 4

Core organic Chemistry

Module 5

Physical Chemistry and transition elements

Module 6

Organic Chemistry and analysis

Teaching of practical skills is an integral part of the course and students will be required to develop their skills (planning, implementation, analysis and evaluation) in preparation for the written examinations. Coursework no longer exists and has been replaced with Practical Endorsement for chemistry. Throughout the two year course, student’s practical competence (use of particular apparatus and techniques) will be recorded and assessed internally, by staff at Kent College.

Assessment Overview

At the end of the two year course (in the June series) students will take three mandatory external examinations, covering each of the six units.

Paper

Assessment / Marks / Exam / Balance

Paper 1

Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry - 2 Hours and 15 Minutes - 100 Marks - 37 %
(Modules 1,2,3 and 5)

Part A - 15 marks

Multiple Choice

Part B - 85 marks

Structured questions (theory and practical skills)

Paper 2

Synthesis and analytical techniques - 2 Hours and 15 Minutes - 100 Marks - 37 %
(Modules 1,2,4 and 6)

Part A - 15 marks

Multiple Choice

Part B - 85 marks

Structured questions (theory and practical skills)

Paper 3

Unified Chemistry - 1 Hour and 30 Minutes - 70 Marks - 26 %
(All modules)

Non-exam part of course

Practical Endorsement for chemistry

Reported separately (does not count towards A Level)

Career Opportunities

Demand for people with qualifications in Chemistry is high. Chemistry graduates are sought after to work on industrial and academic research, in chemical industry, the financial world, in management and in many other areas where numeracy and other problem solving skills are valued.

Maths & Science