CHEMISTRY
Level: A Level
Examination board: AQA
Specification: 7405
Course Contact: Dr Millard, Subject Lead
Entry Requirements: GCSE Chemistry grade 7, or GCSE Combined Science grade 7-7 or above. GCSE Maths grade 6 is strongly recommended; students with a grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics should study Core Maths
Studying A-level Chemistry will help you develop exceptional analytical, mathematical and practical skills while deepening your understanding of the substances that make up our world. From developing life-saving medicines and sustainable fuels to creating new materials and tackling climate change, Chemistry shapes almost every aspect of modern life.
'Chemistry is necessarily an experimental science: its conclusions are drawn from data, and its principles supported by evidence from facts.
Michael Faraday
​Are you interested in...
Understanding what atoms, molecules and chemical bonds reveal about the universe?
Discovering how medicines are designed and manufactured?
Investigating why chemical reactions happen and how they can be controlled?
Analysing substances using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy and NMR?
Exploring sustainable technologies, batteries and fuel cells?
Carrying out practical investigations using professional laboratory techniques?
Physical Chemistry
Explore atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Discover how chemists explain and predict the behaviour of matter.
Inorganic Chemistry
Investigate patterns in the Periodic Table, the chemistry of the halogens, transition metals, redox processes and industrial chemistry.
Organic Chemistry
Study the chemistry of carbon compounds including alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, polymers, pharmaceuticals, proteins and DNA. Learn how chemists design and synthesise new molecules.
Analytical Chemistry
Use chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy to identify unknown substances and solve chemical problems.
Practical Chemistry
Complete twelve required practical investigations and develop skills in titration, calorimetry, electrochemistry, organic synthesis, chromatography and quantitative analysis.
ASSESSMENT
Three examinations at the end of Year 13:
Paper 1: Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry (35%)
Paper 2: Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry (35%)
Paper 3: Synoptic assessment covering all topics, practical techniques and data analysis (30%).
Students also complete the A-level Practical Endorsement.
SUBJECT EXPERTS​
Dr Millard, Subject Lead
Dr Millard is an atmospheric chemist who researched volcanic emissions and stratospheric ozone depletion at the University of Cambridge.
She brings elite academic and pedagogical expertise to A Level Chemistry. Dr. Millard has a proven track record of guiding students through the competitive admissions process, successfully helping them secure places on courses at both Oxford and Cambridge.
Mrs McLean is a passionate Chemistry teacher dedicated to inspiring students to develop a deep understanding of the subject. She has extensive experience supporting students in developing their practical, mathematical and analytical skills, helping them achieve success in A-level Chemistry and prepare for further study in STEM-related fields.
Her teaching combines academic rigour with enthusiasm for the real-world applications of Chemistry, from medicine and pharmaceuticals to materials science and sustainability.
Study Visit
Practical laboratory investigations throughout the course in state of the art laboratories.
Participation in the UK Chemistry Olympiad and STEM competitions.
University chemistry masterclasses and outreach events.
Guest lectures from chemists, pharmacists, engineers and healthcare professionals.
Additional support and enrichment for applicants to Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Russell Group universities.
CHEMISTRY CAN LEAD TO A CAREER IN:
medicine
veterinary science
dentistry
pharmacy
chemical engineering
biomedical science
forensic science
environmental science
materials science
research and development