Chemistry (AQA)

About this course

Chemistry is the study of the properties, composition and behaviour of matter and how matter interacts with energy. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and how things are made and apply problem-solving, critical thinking and data analysis to develop solutions for global issues like climate change and disease.

A level Chemistry is a requirement for many, healthcare, science and technology courses.

  • It can be combined with Biology, Maths or Physics for entry to a wide range of STEM courses.
  • It develops your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, research and data analysis skills, mathematical and computational proficiency and communication skills
  • An A level qualification in Chemistry prepares you for careers in Nanotechnology, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

What you will study/learn

A level in Chemistry covers the following units:

  • Physical Chemistry:

    Atomic Structure, Amount of Substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Oxidation, Thermodynamics, Rate Equations, Acid and Bases

  • Inorganic Chemistry:

    Periodicity, Group 2, the alkaline earth metals, Group 7(17), the halogens, Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, Transition metals, Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

  • Organic Chemistry:

    Alkanes, Halogenoalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Organic analysis, 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

Assessment:

The AQA A Level in Chemistry assessment comprises three externally examined papers.

  • Paper 1: a two-hour exam- 35% of A level
  • Paper 2: a two-hour exam- 35% of A level
  • Paper 3: a two-hour exam- 30% of A level

At least 15% of the overall assessment of A-level Chemistry will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.

Entry requirements

Students applying for A Level programmes must have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs with a grade 5-8 (A-C grade) or better, or have taken A Levels previously, with unsatisfactory results, and level B2 English according to the CEFR for Languages; either IELTS 5.0 or better, or Cambridge FCE Grade C or above (this only applies to applicants whose first language is not English).

Students may also apply for A Level programmes if they have a satisfactory high school leaving certificate, or secondary school exit qualification, which is not equivalent to the A Level for UCAS purposes.

There are no specific previous learning requirements for AQA Chemistry. However, we recommend that students should have the skills and knowledge associated with at least GCSE Science and Additional Science or GCSE Chemistry with a grade above 5 (B/C grade) or equivalent qualifications.

Awarding Body

AQA

Career Prospects and further study

Students with an A level in Chemistry pursue further study in Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Technology and careers in multiple roles in science, pharma, nanotechnology and forensics.