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A-level Chemistry factsheet

Overview

Sometimes referred to as the “central science”, Chemistry helps to connect physical sciences, like Maths and Physics, with applied sciences, such as Biology, Medicine and Engineering. You will challenge ideas and develop logical thinking processes and reasoning skills.

Key Facts

Start Dates:

  • 8 January 2024
  • 9 September 2024

Colleges:

  • Bournemouth
  • Brighton
  • London
  • Oxford

Entry level:

  • Academic: Completed 10 years of schooling (GCSE or equivalent)
  • English: IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

Minimum age:

  • 16

Length:

  • 2 Academic Years (3 terms)
  • We also offer a One-Year A-level in Chemistry and an entry from Year 12.

Lessons:

  • Average 7 hours per week for each A-level subject (plus homework and private study)

Learning outcomes

  • Gain UK national university entrance qualification
  • Raise English to university level
  • Develop study skills required at degree level
  • Develop specialist subject expertise

Course content and structure

The following syllabus outline is based on AQA exam board content. Please note that exam boards may vary from college to college.

Year 1

Physical Chemistry

  • Atomic structure
  • Amount of substance
  • Bonding
  • Energetics
  • Kinetics
  • Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle
  • Oxidation, reduction and redox equations

Inorganic Chemistry

  • Periodicity
  • Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
  • Group 7 (17), the halogens

Organic Chemistry

  • Introduction to organic chemistry
  • Alkanes
  • Halogenoalkanes
  • Alkenes
  • Alcohols
  • Organic analysis

Year 2

Physical Chemistry

  • Thermodynamics
  • Rate equations
  • Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
  • Electrode potential and electrochemical cells
  • Acids and bases

Inorganic Chemistry

  • Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
  • Transition metals
  • Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic Chemistry

  • Optical isomerism
  • Aldehydes and ketones
  • Carboxylic acids and derivatives
  • Aromatic chemistry
  • Amines
  • Polymers
  • Amino acids, proteins and DNA
  • Organic synthesis
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance
  • Spectroscopy
  • Chromatography

Typical A-level subject combinations with Chemistry

Sample enrichment activities

  • The Big Bang fair, NEC Birmingham
  • Natural History Museum visit
  • Oxford University Science laboratory visit
  • Oxford University School of Medicine visit
  • University of Birmingham STEM open day
  • The Royal Society, London
  • Science Club
  • Science in the News Club
  • Google Science Fair
  • Spectroscopy in a Suitcase

Sample academic calendar (2023-2024 and 2024-2025)

Year 1

Sept

11th: term starts
Student induction

Oct

23-27th: half term
Progress tests

Nov

University fairs and talks

Dec

15th: term ends
End of term exams

Jan

8th: term starts

Feb

15h – 16th: half term
Progress tests
University fairs

Mar

End of term exams
22nd: term ends

Apr

8th: term starts

May

Progress tests

June

Exams
14th: term ends

Year 2

Sept

9th Sept: term starts

Oct

21st Oct – 1st Nov: half term
15th October: UCAS deadline (Medicine)
Progress tests

Nov

University fairs and talks

Dec

6th: term ends
End of term exams

Jan

6th: term starts
15th January: UCAS deadline (other subjects)

Feb

13 – 14th: half term
Progress tests

Mar

21st: term ends
Mock exams

Apr

7th: term starts
Progress tests

May

Final exams

June

13th June: term ends

Recommended reading

Below is a list of books which may help you prepare for your studies prior to arrival. Please note that additional books, and online resources such as websites and journals will be shared once you begin your course.

  • AQA Chemistry A Level Student Book by Ted Lister, Janet Renshaw
  • The Pleasure of Finding Things Out by Richard Feynman
  • Periodic Tales by Hugh Aldersey-Williams
  • The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean
  • Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sachs
  • The Shocking History of Phosphorus: A Biography of the Devil’s Element by John Emsley

Degree progression

A-level Chemistry, often in conjunction with other science-based subjects, can lead to the following types of degree course.

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Dentistry
  • Dietetics
  • Earth Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental science
  • Geology
  • Medical Science
  • Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Sports Science
  • Veterinary Science

Sample alumni progression

Aysha Ahmad Sharudin

  • Chemistry/Biology/Maths/Persian
  • University of Exeter (Neuroscience)

Chun Yu Chan

  • Chemistry/Biology/Maths/Physics
  • Queen’s University Belfast (Medicine)

Hon Ming Lam

  • Chemistry/Biology/Maths
  • University of Bristol (Pathology)

Maryam Aghaeinasababad

  • Chemistry/Biology/Maths
  • Royal Veterinary College (Veterinary Medicine)

Negin Nematiniaye Masooleh

  • Chemistry/Biology/Maths/Persian
  • University of Leeds (Medical Science)

Zeyu Song

  • Chemistry/Maths/Physics 
  • UCL (Civil Engineering)

Zhishung Lin

  • Chemistry/Maths/Physics
  • University of Birmingham (Chemistry)

Yangcheng Xu

  • Chemistry/Maths/Further Maths/Physics
  • Imperial College London (Mechanical Engineering)
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