Level 3 / A-Level Programmes
Chemistry
The A level in Chemistry is your passport to exploring the secrets of atoms, molecules, and reactions. In the AS level, you’ll uncover the mysteries of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and organic chemistry, delving into everything from formulas to the periodic table. As you progress to the A2 level, you’ll tackle kinetics, equilibria, and dive deeper into the fascinating world of organic chemistry. The core practical experiments of the International A level are covered in depth within the course, and assessed via examination paper. Whether you dream of becoming a chemist, researcher, or simply want to understand the chemistry of the world around you, this qualification is your chance to unravel the molecules of life.
A-Level Chemistry
This course demands an enthusiasm for chemistry, a commitment to work hard and an ability to work independently and take responsibility for your own progress, but the effort is rewarded by a well-regarded qualification. Practical work is an important aspect of the course. A significant part of the written A Level exams is indirect assessment of practical skills. Practical skills are also assessed directly for the separate Practical Endorsement. A pass in the Practical Endorsement is an entry requirement for many university courses.
Chemistry is the study of the elements and their compounds. It is a basic science, key to understanding the world we live in and a practical science with an enormous number and variety of important applications.
The course is divided into topics, each containing different key concepts of chemistry. Once the main features of a topic have been developed, applications are considered. The delivery methods include lectures, laboratory work and group work, with regular homework being set which plays an important part of the learning process. Emphasis throughout the course is on developing knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving.
Examination Specifications
- This course is available with two examination boards and specifications:
- 1. UK Students: Edexcel 9CH0
- 2. International Students: Edexcel YCH11
- * Please note that OCR is only available to UK students and there is a practical element. If you have already passed this, it can be transferred over. If you have not passed it, you will need to sit the practical elements with a provider. We can help coordinate this for you.
- Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
- Amount of substance
- Acid-base and redox reactions
- Electrons, bonding and structure
- The periodic table and periodicity
- Group 2 and the halogens
- Qualitative analysis
- Enthalpy changes
- Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)
- Basic concepts
- Hydrocarbons
- Alcohols and haloalkanes
- Organic synthesis
- Analytical techniques (IR and MS)
- Reaction rates and Equilibrium (quantitative)
- pH and buffers
- Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
- Redox and electrode potentials
- Transition elements
- Aromatic compounds
- Carbonyl compounds
- Carboxylic acids and esters
- Nitrogen compounds
- Polymers
- Organic synthesis
- Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)
*Please note that unit information is subject to change depending on examinations board.
Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Formulae, Equations and Amount of Substance
- Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Bonding and Structure
- Introductory Organic Chemistry and Alkanes
- Alkenes
Unit 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols
- Energetics
- Intermolecular Forces
- Redox Chemistry and Groups 1, 2 and 7
- Introduction to Kinetics and Equilibria
- Organic Chemistry: Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Spectra
Unit 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I
- Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 1 and 2
Unit 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry
- Kinetics
- Entropy and Energetics
- Chemical Equilibria
- Acid-base Equilibria
- Organic Chemistry: Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Chirality
Unit 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
- Redox Equilibria
- Transition Metals and their Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry: Arenes
- Organic Nitrogen Compounds: Amines, Amides, Amino Acids and Proteins
- Organic Synthesis
Unit 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry II
- Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 4 and 5
For more information take a look at the Edexcel International Chemistry A level Specification: click here
To study 3 A Levels:
5 GCSEs at grade 5 or higher, including English Language and Maths
Please note:
BTEC or vocational qualifications will not be accepted in place of GCSEs
Additional Requirements
9-5 in Maths
9-5 in Biology if taking separate sciences
9-5 in Double Science / Core Science AND Additional Science (not applied or vocational Science)
If you do not meet these requirements, please get in touch. We may have some solutions for you.
Many of our science A Level students progress to university to continue their studies in a variety of course areas, including (but not limited to):
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Biology
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Chemistry
- Dentistry
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Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Nursing
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Medicine/Biomedical Sciences
-
Psychology
Department Contact
Hotline : (+44) 161 531 0837
- hello@micollege.co.uk
- Mon - Fri : 09.00-16.00
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- +44 (0) 161 531 0837
- hello@micollege.co.uk
- Registered Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Accreditations
- AQA
- OCR
- Cambridge International
- Pearson / Edexcel
- WJEC / EDUQAS
- SQA
- ATHE