A Level Chemistry

Please refer to EN's Entry Requirements Guide for specific advice on our Admissions Policy. This guide is supplied at interview to prospective students and is also available to Schools & Careers Advisers.

Have you ever wondered...

Why does ice float?

Why do people put salt on icy roads?

Why do onions make you cry?

How does aspirin stop pain in your body?

Can you turn lead into gold?

Study A-level Chemistry to find out the answers.

A-level Chemistry (Specification A) will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. It covers the key concepts of chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying A-level Chemistry highly appealing.

You will learn about chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. You will learn to investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts.

You will study:

Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations

Enthalpy, entropy and free energy

Amount of substance

Redox and electrode potentials

Acid–base and redox reactions

Transition elements

Electrons, bonding and structure

Organic chemistry

The periodic table and periodicity

Polymers

Group 2 and the halogens

Organic synthesis

Reaction rates and equilibrium

Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

pH and buffers

Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

Emphasis throughout the course is on developing knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving. You will learn how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

Exam - 100%

Two grade 6s or better in GCSE Sciences; these can be from combined sciences or if triple science has been taken, then one of these must be in Chemistry. GCSE grade 5 or better in Maths is also required.

AS – 2 x written papers in May of the first year both 1.5 hours

A2 – 3 x written papers in June of the second year. 2 x 2.5 hours and 1 x 1.5 hours

A2 only Practical Endorsement – pass or fail assessed in class throughout the two year course

An interesting and challenging experience to link key chemical ideas and understand how they relate to each other.
The development of transferable skills including investigating, problem solving, research, decision making, mathematical skills and analytical skills.
Opens up a range of possibilities for Further study and careers associated with the subject. The subject is compulsory or highly recommended for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy.
Wanting to be a doctor?
Wanting to work in the chemical industry?
Wanting to understand how chemistry can affect the environment?
Interested in the world around you?
A problem solver?
Keenly interested in science?
Keen on practical work?
…A-level Chemistry might well be for you!