• The internal assessment of a practical investigation.
• The special study of an application of chemistry.
• E.g. chemical engineering, biochemistry and food science are options.
  

• Unit 1 examination (1 hour 15 minutes) is taken in January of the first year.
• Unit 2 examination (1 hour 30 minutes) is taken in June at the end of the first year.In addition, you will be internally assessed on practical work.
• For A2, you would be assessed internally on a complete investigation, and be given a mark for your general practical competence (Unit 5).
• You will sit three written examinations.
• Unit 4 examination (1hour 30 minutes) is taken in January of the second year of the course.
• Unit 5 special study paper (45 minutes) is taken in June at the end of the course.
• Unit 6 examination (2 hours) is taken in June at the end of the course. In this paper you will draw together facts and ideas from the whole course, but you have your Students book with you in the exam to refer to.

What are lessons like?

You will experience a range of teaching styles, including whole class teaching, group work and independent study tasks. The course will enable you to develop critical thinking through problem solving. Through experimental work, and interpretation of your results, you will understand the unifying ideas in chemistry. You are advised to purchase a lab coat for this practical work, which can be ordered through the department at a cost of about £13. You will develop your ability to communicate through discussion, writing, summarising, using formulae, graphs and calculations. You will use models to help you understand reactions at a molecular level. Through background reading and wider research, you will develop an appreciation of the social, environmental, economic and technological importance of chemistry.

What do people do with A level Chemistry?

This is a valuable qualification for progression to a range of degree courses. It is an essential qualification for progression into medicine, veterinary science, chemical engineering and pharmacy. It is also an advantage to have studied chemistry if you intend to study any area of biological or geological science. In the past chemistry students have gone on the study degrees as diverse as law, geography and sports science. About one third of chemistry graduates work in finance, sales, marketing, management services and computing.

Are there any special entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements for Level 3 courses to include double C in higher tier Science GCSE and a grade C in Higher tier Mathematics. However a grade B in both these subjects is a better indicator of potential success.

The course is suitable for students who are interested in the importance of science in modern society, and enjoy practical work. It will be useful to many students to support other qualifications and enable them to progress onto further study.

A Level is split into two parts : AS and A2

AS is the first year of the A level course and the standard expected is between GCSE (grades A* - C) and an A2 course.
A2 is taken in the second year and builds upon AS level work.
Together AS and A2 make up a full A level: AS + A2 = A level.

AS and A2 courses are usually made up of three units each. AS units are taken during the first year of the course and A2 units in the second year. Unit examinations can be taken in January and in June but subjects vary in when exams are taken. Often one unit takes the form of coursework. It is possible to re-sit AS and A2 units, the best marks count towards the final AS or A level grade.

AS and A level qualifications are graded A – E (pass) and U (fail).
AS and A2 also provide opportunities to develop key skills

You may choose to take an AS course and then continue to the full A level or to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification. Progression from AS to A2 is dependant upon a pass at AS and a recommendation from your subject tutor that you have developed the necessary skills for the A2 course.