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Science Department
Chemistry @Key Stage 5
Exam board: OCR
Why study Chemistry?
This course has been developed for students with an interest in Chemistry following Double or Triple Award Science GCSE.
It is an excellent A level science qualification recognized as
top quality by employers and universities.
The course is a
good one to study alongside Biology, Physics, Mathematics
and Psychology.
What will you study?
AS Unit 1 – The Elements of Life, and Developing Fuels
You will learn about elements in the body and in stars and
space. The periodic table is used andwe learn howsome of the
greatest scientists made their predictions and discoveries. Fuels
are studied, and how they can be improved.
AS Unit 2 – Elements from the sea, the atmosphere and the
Polymer Revolution
Many essential elements are obtained from the sea. These are
studied along with the chemicals of the atmosphere, leading
to an understanding of the ozone layer, its destruction, and
climate change; essential to those interested in environmental
science. Polymers, or plastics, and how they can be changed
for different uses, are covered.
AS Unit 3 – Chemistry in Practice. This is a chance for you to use
and develop your practical skills.
A2 Unit 4 – What’s in a medicine? The Materials Revolution, The
thread of life and The steel story. Much of the material in this
unit is of great value to biologists.
A2 Unit 5 – Agriculture and Industry, Colour by Design, The
Oceans and Medicines by Design.
A2 Unit 6 – Individual investigation. Finally, you will be able to
carry out your own longer termexperiments on a topic chosen
by you.
Method of assessment
There are two exams in Year 12, which account for 80% of the
qualification. The one internal assessment contributes the
remaining 20%. The A level qualification requires two further
exams in Year 13, plus the Individual Investigation.
Future prospects
Chemistry A level prepares students for a variety of respected
higher education courses including Medicine, Biology,
Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Forensic Science, Environmental
Sciences and Physics and it prepares them for mployment
where a knowledge of Chemistry would be useful.
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