A Level | Chemistry
Chemistry at Leighton Park
Exam Board: OCR
Course Requirements
Grade 7 in Chemistry or Grade 8 in Combined Science
Will the course suit me?
Chemistry is a fascinating subject where you identify patterns that allow you to explain matter at the microscopic level. This then allows you to predict and control matter’s behaviour at a macroscopic level.
Chemistry opens up many options beyond school as it is an entrance requirement for various university courses. If you like practical work, have a curiosity about the world around you or just enjoy Chemistry, then this course is for you.
Benefits of the course
You will develop practical laboratory skills and also logical thinking. Mathematical skills are also an important part of the course. It combines well with many subjects beyond the typical Physics, Biology, Maths and Geography. There are also cross curricular links with Economics and Business in topics that cover optimising manufacturing processes or with DT when considering the properties of materials.
Students will be advised of relevant external events that will support their studies and visits may be arranged on appropriate occasions.
Course description
Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills
This module underpins the whole of the specification, and covers the practical skills that students should develop throughout the course
Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations; amount of substance; acid–base and redox reactions; electrons, bonding and structure
Module 3 – Periodic table and Energy
The Periodic Table and periodicity; group 2 and the halogens; qualitative analysis; enthalpy changes; reaction rates and equilibrium
Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry
Basic concepts; hydrocarbons; alcohols and haloalkanes; organic synthesis; analytical techniques (IR, MS)
Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and transition elements
Reaction rates and equilibrium; pH and buffers; enthalpy, entropy and free energy; redox and electrode potentials; transition elements
Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and analysis
Aromatic compounds; carbonyl compounds; carboxylic acids and esters; nitrogen compounds; polymers; organic synthesis; chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)
How is this qualification assessed?
- Paper 1 - Assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 - 2 hours 15mins - 37%
- Paper 2 - Assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 - 2 hours 15mins - 37%
- Paper 3 - Assesses the content from Modules 1 to 6 - 1 hour 30min - 26%
Outside the classroom
Examples of opportunities that Chenistry students have been involved in recently include:
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Chemistry Olympiad
- RSC Analysts Competition
- Cambridge Chemistry Challenge
Future opportunities
Chemistry is an obvious choice for those of you wanting to study Medicine or Veterinary courses. Other possible careers, courses or areas of interest beyond Chemistry itself include Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Material Engineering, Environmental Research, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Solid State electronics, Nanotechnology, Polymers, Drug design and Genetic research.
A Chemistry degree is good training for a variety of careers, not just in science and engineering. The skills learnt at university are highly transferable and Chemistry graduates often make successful accountants, lawyers, politicians and business entrepreneurs.
If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Rachel Milhofer
To apply for our Sixth Form, please see our Admissions page.