Chemistry
Chemistry is the science concerned with the composition, structure, and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. Modern chemistry evolved out of alchemy following the chemical revolution of 1773.
Disciplines within chemistry are traditionally grouped by the type of matter being studied or the kind of study. These include inorganic chemistry, the study of inorganic matter (matter that does not contain carbon); organic chemistry, the study of organic matter (matter that does contain carbon) ; biochemistry, the study of substances found in biological organisms; physical chemistry, the energy related studies of chemical systems at macro, molecular and sub-molecular scales; analytical chemistry, the analysis of material samples to gain an understanding of their chemical composition and structure. Many more specialized disciplines have emerged in recent years, e.g. neurochemistry the chemical study of the nervous system.
What are the benefits of studying Chemistry A level?
- To gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
- To understand the properties of materials in terms of the underlying molecular structure.
- To apply the knowledge gained in the course in order to solve scientific problems both quantitatively and qualitatively.
- To develop practical skills by carrying out many experiments in the laboratory.
- To earn a qualification that is highly regarded by all universities.
- To earn a qualification that shows you are able to learn and apply scientific knowledge, to develop analytical and report writing skills, but above all else, this qualification shows you are able to commit yourself and solve problems successfully in a very challenging environment.
AS Chemistry – Edexcel (8CH01)
Comprises 3 units:
Unit 1 – The core principles of chemistry
- Externally assessed
- 40% of the AS marks (20% of total A level mark)
- Exam will be taken in June 2010
Examination is 1 hour 15 minutes.
Unit 2 – Application of core principles of chemistry
- Externally assessed
- 40% of the AS marks (20% of total A level mark)
- Exam will be taken in June 2010
Examination is 1 hour 15 minutes.
Unit 3 – Chemistry laboratory skills
- Internally assessed, but externally moderated
- 20% of the AS marks (10% of total A level mark)
- Continual assessment throughout the year
A2 Chemistry – Edexcel (9CH01)
Comprises 3 units:
Unit 4 – General principles of chemistry, rates, equilibria and organic chemistry
- Externally assessed
- 40% of the A2 mark (20% of total A level mark)
- Exam will be taken in June 2010
Examination is 1 hour 40 minutes.
Unit 5 – general principles of chemistry II, transition metals, organic nitrogen chemistry
- Externally assessed
- 40% of the A2 mark (20% of total A level mark)
- Exam will be taken in June 2010
Examination is 1 hour 40 minutes.
Unit 6 – Chemistry laboratory skills II
- Internally assessed, but externally moderated
- 20% of the A2 mark (10% of total A level mark)
- Continual assessment throughout the year
Reading List
AS :
Facer G — Edexcel AS Chemistry (2nd edition ) (Philip Allan Updates, 2008)
ISBN 978-0340957608
Facer G — Edexcel A2 Chemistry (Philip Allan Updates, 2006) ISBN 1844892131
Edexcel AS chemistry – student,s book
ISBN 978-1-4058-9635-1
A2 :
Facer G — Edexcel A2 Chemistry (2nd edition ) (Philip Allan Updates, 2009) ISBN 978-0340957615
General text book :
Hill G and Holman J — Chemistry in Context (Nelson Thornes, 2000)
ISBN 978-0174482765