AS/A Level Chemistry

Key Details

Available at:
Llangefni, Rhos-on-Sea, Pwllheli, Rhyl, Dolgellau
Study Mode:
Full-time
Course Length:
1-2 years

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AS/A Level Chemistry

School Leavers

Dolgellau

Llangefni

Pwllheli

Rhos-on-Sea

Rhyl

Applying for more than one A Level?

You can apply from this page and you will have the opportunity to add your additional A Level subjects at the end of the application process. You can find the A Level subject grid to make your choices on our main A Level page.

Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.

Course Description

Would you like to develop your scientific skills at an advanced level? A-Level Chemistry is a key subject in the preparation for most careers of a scientific nature, and is considered very beneficial as a background to a career in the financial or business world.

It is also a valuable and interesting subject in its own right. Chemistry lies at the heart of Science. It is the study of the natural world, with a view to identifying chemical patterns of behaviour.

This course develops your understanding of chemistry, both the underlying concepts and their practical implications. It also covers aspects of engineering and provides an underpinning knowledge for a range of careers. It forms a valuable preparation for Higher Education, and the skills of logical, methodical investigation are relevant to all disciplines.

The course is suitable if you are a committed student and have achieved good Chemistry/Science and Maths grades at GCSE level. The course will enhance your interest in the subject and its wider applications, allowing you to excel. All students should be interested in science and its wider applications, and must be willing to read around the subject.

The course can be taken as part of a full-time programme of study in conjunction with other AS subjects, or possibly with other Level 3 qualifications. Chemistry combines particularly well with another science, but our staff will be happy to help you put together a programme most suited to your needs.

Unit information

AS Unit 1: THE LANGUAGE OF CHEMISTRY, STRUCTURE OF MATTER AND SIMPLE REACTIONS

This unit covers the following areas of study:

Formulae and equations, basic ideas about atoms, chemical calculations, bonding, solid structures, the Periodic Table and simple equilibria and acid-base reactions.

AS UNIT 2: ENERGY, RATE AND CHEMISTRY OF CARBON COMPOUNDS

This unit covers the following areas of study:

Thermochemistry, rates of reaction, the wider impact of chemistry, organic compounds, hydrocarbons, halogenoalkanes, alcohols and carboxylic acids and instrumental analysis.

A2 UNIT 3: PHYSICAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

This unit covers the following areas of study:

Redox and standard electrode potential, redox reactions, chemistry of the p-block, chemistry of the d-block transition metals, chemical kinetics, enthalpy changes for solids and solutions, entropy and feasibility of reactions, equilibrium constants and acid-base equilibria.

A2 UNIT 4: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND ANALYSIS

This unit covers the following areas of study:

Stereoisomerism, aromaticity, alcohols and phenols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, amino acids, peptides and proteins and organic synthesis and analysis.

Entry Criteria

Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.

The A Level subject grids for each campus can be found in the guides on the A Level section of the website.

In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:

6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
GCSE Double Award Science grade BB or GCSE Chemistry grade B. GCSE Mathematics (Higher Tier) grade C or GCSE Numeracy grade B (Higher/Intermediate).

As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.

Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.

Delivery

Students are regarded as creative people, making their own sense of phenomena they meet. The course involves learning through experience as much as possible. The learning activities reflect this and include:

working in groups
independent study
reporting
reading
discussion
Educational visits
MOODLE (virtual learning environment)
Blended learning (using digital learning applications independently and in laboratory)

Your programme will include a combination of:

Essential Skills qualifications and/or
GCSE resits and/or
The Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.

The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.

Essential Skills

This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills

GCSE resits

This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.

Maths & Welsh/English

If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.

Assessment

The course is assessed in the first year for the AS Level and in the second year for the A Level.

AS: 2 examinations in late May/Early June at the end of the first year (worth 40% of the total A Level); and
A2: Practical Examination - March of the second year, and 2 examinations in June of the second year (worth 60% of the total A Level).

Progression

Whether you study the full A Level or just the AS Level, the course adds to your qualifications and helps you to progress.

You will gain UCAS points and be able to apply for a range of Higher Education courses at many institutions, including Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. You will also have opportunities for employment, and your logical thinking and practical skills will be valued by employers.

If you choose to continue your studies in a related subject, there are degree courses available in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biomolecular science, forensic science and food-related sciences.

Other career paths associated with A Level Chemistry include Chemistry, Alternative Energy, Chemical Engineering, Material Health Service, Metallurgy, Environmental Science, Petrology Biochemistry, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Medicine.

You will also be in a good position to pursue a career in teaching, the armed forces or the cosmetic industry. Your studies on the A Level course will help you to make an informed choice from the options available.