This course covers the brand new spec introduced in September 2015. Chemistry is concerned with the science of matter, particularly its structure, properties and reactions. Chemistry is of central importance to the sciences as a whole as the chemical reactions that it governs are fundamental to all of science.

Gain an understanding of underlying chemical concepts through practical techniques and calculations that develop your analysis and practical scientific skills Chemistry attempts to answer the big question; what is everything made from? Not only does chemistry help us to make sense of the world around us, but chemistry also touches upon the main social, ethical and cultural issues affecting our lives today. From archaeology to other plants’ atmospheres, and the effect of drugs to the color of precious stones, chemistry helps us to understand and enables us to make life better and more interesting. From a knowledge of chemistry, we can prevent and cure disease, develop new materials and explore space. Chemistry is all around us.

You will learn about Chemistry in a range of different contexts, the impacts it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. A-Level Chemistry opens up opportunities in a range of careers such as Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Research and Medicine. Preferably taken alongside another science subject, this course is ideal if you enjoy and excel at maths and science.

Chemistry is in everything you taste, smell, touch and see and as our world undergoes rapid changes, we need chemists more than ever. It will help us in the race for new antibiotics, find ways to conserve coral reefs and manufacture environmentally-friendly alternatives to current plastics. There are three core strands to A-level Chemistry course. Physical chemistry explores the science behind chemical reactions and applies them to the real world, reducing the acidification of our oceans, for example. Inorganic chemistry applies the properties of compounds to industrial processes, such as finding more sustainable batteries to combat the skyrocketing demand from mobile phones and electric vehicles.

Chemistry is a challenging A level, which complements the other science subjects well. It can also be studied as a contrast to arts and humanities subjects. It is excellent preparation and a requirement for some university courses. Students go on to study a wide variety of disciplines, including engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, maths and economics.

Building on the concepts covered at GCSE, A level Chemistry will introduce you to a broad range of advanced topics. It will get you to think like a chemist, by putting the emphasis on the need to provide explanations of chemical phenomena rather than on the ability merely to remember chemical facts.

This course will prepare you for sitting your A-Level in Chemistry. You will be able to gain up to 56 UCAS points to aid in your University application process.

Chemistry A' Level focuses on developing and expanding the knowledge and practical skills gained at GCSE, to explain why things happen (e.g. why does a rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide mean that the coral reefs are being destroyed; why are certain compounds pretty colours and why can they change colour; why do CFCs destroy the ozone layer?).

A Level Chemistry will be brought to you in various lectures, workshops and practical laboratory sessions by experienced chemist Dr Kirsty Davey. You will require a passion for Chemistry to fuel your studies during this demanding but very rewarding course. The course is taught as a series of modules, all examined at the end of year one (for AS Level qualifications) or at the end of year 2 (for A Level qualifications). Although your final A Level grade will be determined solely by your exam results, you will be regularly updated on your progress and attainment throughout. Your working grade will be determined by mock exams, assessed homework and practical work.

Chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘what is the world made of’ and it’s the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating.

We live in an age where chemistry-based technology will be critical to our future success and even survival; the rapid development and production of low or zero carbon emission energy sources, transport technologies and commercially useful but environmentally sustainable materials will be vital over the next few decades.

Chemistry is critical to solving today’s problems; faster and cheaper drug development; cleaner and more economical fuel sources; safer air and drinking water; biotechnology to improve health and food sources around the world; nanotechnology to reduce the size and environmental impact on many consumer goods and green industrial processes to prevent pollution.