| Overview | This course aims to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations. Successful A-level Chemists: - develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment
- appreciate the contributions of chemistry to society and the responsible use of scientific knowledge and evidence
- sustain and develop the enjoyment of, and interest in, chemistry
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| Examination board | The Sixth Form Chemistry course at Queen Elizabeth’s follows the AQA specification. Full details of the specification and additional support materials can be accessed here. |
Unit 1 - Foundation Chemistry Examination to be taken in January of Year 12 | This unit covers the following content: - Particles, composition of the nucleus, isotopes and use of mass spectrometer
- Calculating the amount of substance
- Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and intermolecular forces
- The construction of the periodic table
- Organic chemistry
- Alkanes from crude oil
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Unit 2 - Chemistry in Action Examination to be taken in June of Year 12 | This unit covers the following content: - Collision theory and effect
- Definitions of oxidation and reduction
- Redox properties of halogens and the halide ions
- The extraction of metals
- Haloalkanes and alkenes
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Unit 3 - Investigative & Practical Skills Examination to be taken in June of Year 12 | This unit is internally assessed and involves: - Making observations and measurements
- Analysing and evaluating results
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Unit 4 - Kinetics, Equilibria & Organic Chemistry Examination to be taken in January of Year 13 | This unit covers the following content: - Acids and bases
- Nomenclature and isomerism in organic chemistry
- Compounds containing the carbonyl group
- Amines; base properties and nucleophilic properties
- Polymers
- Organic Synthesis and Analysis
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Unit 5 - Energetics, Redox & Inorganic Chemistry Examination to be taken in June of Year 13 | This unit covers the following content: - Thermodynamics
- Periodicity, reactions of period 3 elements
- Redox Equilibria
- General properties of transition metals
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Unit 6 - Investigative & Practical Skills Examination to be taken in June of Year 13 | This unit is internally assessed and involves: - Making observations and measurements
- Analysing and evaluating results
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| Course support & enrichment at QE | The department has an extensive library of textbooks available for students to sign-out and use. The range of textbooks covers GCSE (for reminding students of simpler concepts) through to elementary degree level. There are also revision booklets available for each module that can be signed out for a short period of time. AEA entry is offered to the most able students as is entry into the national Chemistry Olympiad. Visits to attend external lectures are run on an annual basis. |
| Progression from A-level Chemistry | Any Chemistry-based degree or career is available including pharmaceuticals, pharmacy, energy resource management, medicine, dentistry and teaching. |
Recommended wider reading This is particularly relevant for those considering further study beyond A-level | - I wish I’d made you angry earlier - Max Perutz
- Why Chemical reactions happen - James Keeler
- History of Science - John Gribben
- In search of Schrodinger's cat - John Gribben
- In search of the end of time - John Gribben
- Chemistry Review
- New Scientist
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