What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. There are five main branches of chemistry, each of which has many areas of study.
Analytical chemistry uses qualitative and quantitative observation to identify and measure the physical and chemical properties.
Physical chemistry combines chemistry with physics. Physical chemists study how matter and energy interact. Thermodynamics and quantum mechanics are two of the important branches of physical chemistry.
Organic chemistry specifically studies compounds that contain the element carbon. Carbon has many unique properties that allow it to form complex chemical bonds and very large molecules. Organic chemistry is known as the “Chemistry of Life” because all of the molecules that make up living tissue have carbon as part of their makeup.
Inorganic chemistry studies materials such as metals and gases that do not have carbon as part of their makeup.
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes that occur within living organisms.
Specification
At Lytham Sixth Form we currently study the AQA Chemistry specification.
All students will study A level Chemistry over two years with exams at the end of this period of study.
What Will I study?
The First Year:
In the first year you will study the fundamental aspects of Chemistry, the modules studied include:
Physical Chemistry – Atomic Structure, Amount of Substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Chemical Equilibria, Redox Reactions.
Inorganic Chemistry – Periodicity, Group 2 Alkaline Earth Metals, Group 7 Halogens.
Organic Chemistry – Introduction, Alkanes, Halogenalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Organic Analysis.
The Second Year:
In the second year of A level Chemistry you will go on to study more challenging areas of Chemistry, applying the fundamental concepts you learnt in year 12.
The topics you study will include:
Physical Chemistry – Thermodynamics, Rate Equations, Equilibrium constants (Kp), Electrode Potentials, Electrochemical Cells, Acids and Bases.
Inorganic Chemistry – Properties of Period 3 Elements and their Oxides, Transition Metals, Reactions of Ions in Aqueous Solutions.
Organic Chemistry – Optical Isomerism, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives, Aromatic Chemistry, Amines, Polymers, Amino Acids, Proteins, DNA, Organic Synthesis, NMR Spectroscopy, Chromatography.
Chemistry Assessments
What Next?
Studying Chemistry will provide you with excellent opportunity to develop skills that will transfer to a wide range of University courses.
Possible degree options: According to bestcourseforme.com, the top degrees taken by students who have an A-level in Chemistry are: Chemistry, Biology, Pre-clinical medicine, Mathematics, Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmacy, Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry.
Possible career options: Studying A level Chemistry can lead to career options in: Medicine, Pharmacist, Dentistry, Veterinary Surgeon, Materials Science, Metallurgist, Forensic Science, Aeronautics and many, many more………….
Entry Requirements
At least 5 A*-C grades including a Grade B in Maths and a Grade B in Chemistry or two Bs in Combined science (Dual award).
