Chemistry - A Level

Chemistry is concerned with the study of materials, their properties, reactions and uses. All students studying Chemistry at Coleg Cambria are encouraged to develop personal and organisational skills through their learning and to aspire to achieve their academic potential.

As Chemistry is a practical science, there is a large practical element to the course and both the theory and practical work are well integrated. Students are encouraged to work both independently and as part of a group in both theory and practical classes. Our Chemistry students are offered the chance to take part in the Royal Society of Chemistry Young Analyst Competition, Spectroscopy Workshops, University Masterclasses and the Jenkins Science Society which invites external speakers from a wide variety of scientific disciplines.

Upon completion of the course, students will have gained confidence in interacting with others, be better at logical reasoning and will have gained valuable practice of investigative methods and safety when working under laboratory conditions.

The AS/A Level Chemistry course follows the WJEC specification and builds upon the topics covered at GCSE. The AS Level consists of two units which are examined at the end of the first year and an additional three units are studied in the second year to gain the full A Level qualification. One of the second year units involves a practical examination. A brief overview of the course content is given below.

UNIT 1: The language of Chemistry, structure of matter and chemical reactivity. Formulae and equations, atomic structure, calculations, bonding, solid structures, classification of the elements in the Periodic Table, equilibria and acid-base reactions.

UNIT 2: Energy, rate of reaction and the chemistry of carbon compounds. Thermochemical and kinetic analysis, the wider impact of chemistry in society, organic compounds including hydrocarbons, halogenoalkanes, alcohols and carboxylic acids, instrumental methods of analysis.

UNIT 3: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry. Redox and standard electrode potential, p-block and d-block chemistry, enthalpy changes, entropy and the feasibility of reactions, equilibrium constants, acid-base equilibria.

UNIT 4: Organic Chemistry and analysis. Stereoisomerism, aromaticity, alcohols and phenols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, amines, amino acids, peptides and proteins, organic synthesis and analysis.

UNIT 5: Practical examination. Students are required to maintain an organised file of their laboratory work in preparation for assessment in this unit.