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A-level

The Edexcel Chemistry course is designed to be a motivating, contemporary course. Practical activities are embedded within each unit, reflecting the nature of chemistry. Applications of chemistry that are in the media and everyday life are emphasised. The course begins with an introductory section in which essential chemical ideas from the GCSE Science course are reinforced, helping students to adapt to the demands of the subject at Advanced level. The course is divided into topics, which are grouped into units.

Outline of Course

AS Level

Unit 1: The Core Principles of Chemistry

• Formulae, equations and amounts of substance
• Energetics
• Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
• Bonding
• Introductory organic chemistry

Unit 2: Application of Core Principles of Chemistry

• Shapes of molecules and ions
• Intermediate bonding and bond polarity
• Intermolecular forces
• Redox
• The periodic table – groups 2 and 7
• Kinetics
• Chemical equilibria
• Organic chemistry
• Mechanisms
• Mass spectra and IR
• Green chemistry

Unit 3: Chemistry Laboratory Skills

A Level

Unit 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry

• How fast? – rates
• How far? – entropy
• Equilibria
• Application of rates and equilibrium
• Acid / base equilibria
• Further organic chemistry
• Spectroscopy and chromatography

Unit 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry

• Redox and the chemistry of the transition metals
• Organic chemistry – arenes, nitrogen compounds and synthesis

Unit 6: Chemistry Laboratory Skills

Assessment Framework

Unit Type Duration Weighting

AS AS A-level

1 External exam 1 hr 15 min 40 20

2 External exam 1 hr 15 min 40 20

3 Internal practical assessment 20 10

A2

4 External exam 1 hr 40 min 20

5 External exam 1 hr 40 min 20

6 Internal practical assessment 10

The course is demanding and success at Advanced Level requires commitment, consistent effort and the motivation to make productive use of private study time for reading and consolidating work covered in lessons. The course is however satisfying and fun.

Entry Requirements

Grade B in GCSE Chemistry OR grades AA in GSCE Science, and grade B in GCSE Mathematics. Competence in Mathematics is an essential requirement.

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