Sixth Form Chemistry - Our Lady of Sion

Sixth Form

Chemistry

Chemistry and its potential

The study of A Level Chemistry can prepare the student for the following options:

To follow a degree course in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine and Pharmacy. These are a few of the courses with direct links, but the UCAS website (www.ucas.com) and handbook gives further guidance as to other possibilities.
To follow a Higher National Programme in Chemical Science or other related programmes.
To enter employment in the areas of Pharmacy, Biochemistry and Biotechnology and other related areas.

Aims of the course

The qualification aims to:

Stimulate and sustain students’ interest in, and enjoyment of, Chemistry.
Enable students to gain knowledge and an understanding of Chemistry appropriate to A Level.
Show the inter-relationship between the development of the subject and its application in society today (social, economic, environmental and technological).
Recognise the value of Chemistry to society and how it may be used responsibly.
Develop students’ skills in laboratory procedures and techniques.
Develop students’ ability to acquire knowledge by means of practical work, and to integrate theory and practical work.
Provide opportunities for students to bring together knowledge of how different areas of chemistry relate to each other and to appreciate the interlinking patterns which are a distinguishing feature of the subject.

Entry requirements

The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed at GCSE. It is expected that students will have achieved at least a grade 7 in GCSE Chemistry or grade 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science. Students will be expected to be able to work independently, communicate effectively, research and think critically about chemical problems.

Who is this course suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for students who:

Have an interest in, and enjoyment of, Chemistry.
Enjoy the application of imaginative, logical and critical thinking.
Want to use Chemistry to support other qualifications or progress onto further studies.

Course Content & Assessment - Year 1

Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry

Practical skills assessed in a written examination
Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

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 (qualitative)

Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry

Basic concepts
Hydrocarbons
Alcohols and haloalkanes
Organic synthesis
Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Course Content & Assessment - Year 2

Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements

Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
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) Inorganic chemistry

Assessment:

Paper 1 – Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (100 marks)

2 hours 15 minutes written paper, 37% of total A Level

Paper 2 – Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (100 marks)

2 hours 15 minutes, written paper, 37% of total A Level

Paper 3 – Unified Chemistry (70 marks)

1 hour 30 minutes, written paper, 26% of total A Level

Experimental skills are developed throughout the course and are assessed within the written modules and by Practical Endorsement. Candidates complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence.

For further information, visit the OCR Website:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/chemistry-a-h032-h432-from-2015/

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