AS Course Outline
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of the composition and interactions of all things. Chemists relate their
studies of the world we live in to an atomic level, in which the movements of electrons play a
key role in determining the course of a reaction. The earliest uses of chemistry included the use
of carbon to extract metals from their ores, the firing of clay and sand to make ceramics and
glass, the extraction of oils and dyes from plants (and animals) for medicine, colouring cloth,
make-up and perfume. Chemists are still very much in demand in agriculture (fertilizers and
pesticides), medical research, the oil industry (refining, cracking, polymers and synthetics), the
dyestuffs, food (low fat, low sugar, low salt alternatives, nutrition) and computing industries.
What will Chemistry enable me to do at University?
Chemistry is essential for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Forensic Science,
Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry degrees; for many universities it is more important than
Biology. Chemistry provides the academic rigour that shows intelligence, manipulative and
problem solving skills that are needed in the work-place and is advantageous for Law,
Economics and Accounting applications.
What skills will I learn?
You will be able to:
- describe, explain and interpret phenomena and effects in terms of chemical principles
and concepts;
- carry out relevant calculations and interpret data;
- assess the validity of chemical information, experiments, inferences and statements;
- interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate the results of your experimental and
investigative activities;
- identify any hazards in the chemicals to be used or made, or in the procedures to be
followed.
| AS Specification and Scheme of Assessment |
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Atoms, Bonds and Groups
1 hour
30% of the AS
|
Atoms and reactions.
Electrons, bonding and structure.
The Periodic Table.
|
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Chains, Energy and Resources
1 hour 45 minutes
50% of the AS
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Basic concepts and hydrocarbons.
Alcohols, halogenoalkanes and analysis.
Energy.
Resources.
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Practical Skills in Chemistry
1 Internal Assessment
20% of the AS
|
Students choose one of three set tasks from each of three set areas,
Qualitative, Quantitative and Evaluative. Each task is carried out under
the supervision of your teacher, under controlled conditions. The
resulting set is sent to the OCR moderator at Easter time.
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What do I need to get at GCSE?
A grade C at GCSE level in Chemistry or CC in Double Award Science is essential. Ideally, a B
grade or higher will equip you with the necessary background required for A-level. You need
reasonably good mathematical skills to back you up including graphical skills and algebra.
Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 4.5 hours per week in three blocks of 1.5 hours, of which 1.5 hours
are set aside for practical work every fortnight. Homework is set on a weekly basis and forms
part of the course. Mock exams are set on a monthly basis. Practical Skills in Chemistry are
performed within the scheduled practical lessons, so attendance is vital.
Recommended Texts
Clugson M. and Flemming R., Advanced Chemistry (Advanced Science), Oxford University
Press, 2003
Ramsden E., A-level Chemistry, Nelson Thornes Ltd, 2000
Holman J. S. and Hill G, Chemistry in Context, Nelson Thornes Ltd, 2000
