| What will I learn? |
What will I gain from doing this
course
Aims/Objectives
What will I do |
Chemistry is the study of the elements
and their compounds. It is a science subject, so practical
work is an important part of the course.
The aims of these courses are to encourage students to:
develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for chemistry, including
developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry;
appreciate how society makes decisions
about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to
the success of the economy and society;
develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation
of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science
Works;
develop essential knowledge and understanding of different
areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other
|
| What are the entry requirements |
What is the minimum skills or qualification
level the learner needs to start this course |
It is expected that all students will
have studied either Core and Additional Science or Chemistry
GCSE, obtaining at least A grades. In the past, students who
have achieved A grades seemed to have coped better with the
demands of the course
Other subjects that would go well with Chemistry at Advanced
Subsidiary (AS) or Advanced GCE are Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
However, very many other combinations of subjects are also suitable. |
| How will I be assessed |
Method of Assessment (exam, coursework
etc.) Course Content
Style of Teaching and Learning
|
This subject has six Units
of Assessment
- To get a certificate for Advanced
Subsidiary (AS) you will need to have been assessed on your
performance in three AS units.
- To get a certificate for Advanced
(A2) GCE, you will need to have been assessed on your performance
in the three AS Units, together with three further A2 units.
Before taking the A2 units
of assessment you will study the following modules of work:
Unit F321 Atoms, Bonds and
Groups
In this module you
will learn about the structure of the atom, the importance
of atomic masses, formulae and equations, chemical bonding
and structure, and trends and patterns in the Periodic
Table. A 60 minute written examination (unit of assessment)
will test your understanding of this module.
F322 Chains, Energy and Resources
In this module you
will learn about the chemical ideas that underpin organic
chemistry, some of the important chemicals produced from oil,
the chemistry of alcohols and organic halogen compounds, and
the role of chemists in developing fuels and combating pollution.
You also develop your knowledge of energy changes and reaction
rates. A 60 minute written examination (unit of assessment)
will test your understanding of this module
F323 Practical Skills 1
These are assessed
internally under examination conditions. Three tasks are to
be completed but students may have more than one attempt at
each task. The tasks produce a single mark of 40.
You will take each A2 unit
of assessment after studying each of the teaching modules
outlined below:
F324 Rings, Polymers and Analysis
In this module you
will learn about how chemists use organic compounds to manufacture
useful materials such as pharmaceuticals, antiseptics, perfumes,
dyes and polymers. You will also learn about how spectroscopy
and mass spectrometry is used to find the structure of carbon
compounds.
F325 Equilibria, Energetics
and Elements
In this module you
will learn about the physical chemistry that explains much
of the chemistry encountered in all other modules. You will
learn how to monitor reaction rates accurately, how chemists
investigate reversible reactions and how acids, bases and
buffers work. You learn more about energy changes including
those occurring in batteries.
The unit also includes a study of transition metals..
F326 Practical Skills 2
This is similar in
structure to Practical Skills 1.
|
| Future Opportunities |
Progression to further education, study
or work |
With a qualification in Chemistry
you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Chemistry
or one of the other sciences or related subjects, or work in
science-based industry such as chemical engineering, materials
science or biotechnology. It is essential for the medical field,
pharmacy and environmental science. Chemistry is also a well-respected
subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide
range of professions. |
