Chemistry AS and A2 Specifications

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The following information is an outline of the proposed new post-16 course.

Detailed specifications can be obtained from the Edexcel web site on http://www.edexcel.org.uk

Chemistry (2000)

Exam Board: Edexcel

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

The course builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills covered at GCSE. You should have achieved at least a GCSE Grade B Science (Double Award) from the higher papers.

You will need to be able to communicate effectively, and to research and think logically and critically about chemical problems. Mathematical ability is also important.

What will I learn on this A Level course?

The course aims to:

• stimulate and sustain your interest in, and enjoyment of, chemistry
• help you to gain a knowledge and understanding of chemistry appropriate to AS/A level and to appreciate the inter-linking patterns which are a distinguishing feature of the subject
• show the value of chemistry to society and how it may be used responsibly
• develop your skills in laboratory procedures and techniques

AS level

Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Chemistry of the Main Groups of the Periodic Table

Unit 2: Introductory Organic Chemistry, Energetic, Kinetic and Equilibrium and Applications

Unit 3: Laboratory Chemistry I

A level

The full A level qualification is made up of the AS units plus three more units which are studied at a higher level. The second half of the course is sometimes called A2. If you do decide to take the second half of the course it will cover the three units described below.

Unit 4: Periodicity, Qualitative Equilibria and Functional Group Chemistry

Unit 5: Transition Metals, Qualitative Kinetic and Applied Organic Chemistry

Unit 6: Laboratory Chemistry I

How can I develop my full range of skills by doing AS/A2 courses?

This courses will enable you to develop some Key Skills, which will be essential to you whatever you go on to do afterwards. The Key Skills you can develop are:

Communication

Taking part in discussions on topical issues; preparing written documents for your practical work; using reference materials from books, CD-ROMs and the Internet.

Application of number

Planning to collect results from experiments and presenting them in a suitable format; carrying out calculations on the data collected in experiments; interpreting the results from experiments and seeing how this relates to your plan.

Information technology

Using word processing software to present written reports and prepare presentations; planning and designing a spreadsheet to support your experiments; selecting a suitable graphical format to show trends and patterns in your data

Problem solving

Planning an investigation to look at tests to distinguish between different chemicals.

Working with others

Planning an investigation, to involve all members of the group; doing a team presentation of a poster to show the use of ammonia, nitric acid and sulphuric acid in the manufacture of inorganic fertilisers.

Improving own learning and performance

Working out a timetable with targets to improve your practical skills; monitoring the marks awarded for written work.

What could I go on to do at the end of my course?

• Follow a degree course in chemistry, environmental science, biochemistry, chemical engineering, geology, medicine, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. These are a small selection of courses with direct links; UCAS handbooks will give you further guidance.
• Follow a Higher National programme in Applied Chemistry and related programmes, such as Sport Studies, Beauty Therapy, Applied Biology, Engineering, Agriculture, Animal Management, Countryside Management, Environmental Science, Equine management or Horticulture.
• Employment in the areas such as pharmacy and biotechnology.

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