Page 18 - Seaford Sixth Form OPTIONS 2019

Chemistry A Level (OCR)
Head of Department:
Dr N Street
Teaching Staff:
Dr N Street Mr W Yates Mrs H Harris Mr L Kingdon
Course Content
Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
Perform a range of chemical techniques to obtain data to analyse and form appropriate conclusions.
Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
Study of the key concepts underpinning Chemistry, including the structure of the atom, bonding and quantitative measurements (moles).
Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy
Measuring and applying concepts such as enthalpy, reaction rates and equilibrium to chemical reactions.
Modules 4 and 6 – Organic Chemistry
Exploring the chemistry of carbon based compounds and how they are synthesised and purified.
Overview
A Level Chemistry will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of Chemistry. It covers the key concepts of Chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. You will learn about Chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life.
Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
Investigating and calculating the pH of acids and bases, redox and electrode potentials and the chemical and physical properties of the transition metals.
The course structure is:
Paper 1: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (2hrs 15m, 37%)
Paper 2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (2hrs 15m, 37%)
Paper 3: Unified Chemistry – (1hr 30mins, 26%)
Expectations
Chemistry makes significant demands of the individual. Your passion and love for atoms will fuel your motivation and your inquiring mind will keep you questioning, leading to knowledge and understanding. A strong resilience will keep you rote learning the key definitions and not giving up when that equation seems impossible to balance.
Future Pathway
A Level Chemistry is an excellent base for a university degree in healthcare, such as Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry as well as the Biological Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry.
Chemistry is also taken by many Law and Economics applicants as it shows you can cope with difficult, and, at times, abstract concepts.
Key Skills
The nature of Chemistry requires a wide range of skills including investigating, problem solving, research, decision making, mathematical skills and analytical skills. Of course, the practical side of the course needs the confident handling and use of a range of equipment, glassware and chemicals and consideration of the associated Health & Safety issues.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Grade 6-6 at GCSE (Chemistry or Combined Science) and at least Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.
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