Chemistry

AQA

Chemistry is the study of how and why substances react together and how this can be used to enhance our lives, from chemicals which fight disease, to superconducting polymers. It is the central science discipline, needing both descriptive and analytical skills. Chemistry should be taken as part of an AS programme including Mathematics or Use of Maths and another science or Mathematics subject.

Chemistry links very well with both Biology and Physics. With Mathematics it provides an excellent foundation for A2 Chemistry and is essential if you are considering Chemistry at university. Chemistry is taught by an experienced examiner, who can point you to what examiners require.

There is a strong practical approach and you will learn in a well equipped specialist laboratory. Paston has strong links with the UEA: you will be able to use some of their facilities for project work, and UEA staff visit Paston. Studying Chemistry is essential if you want to study Chemistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Pharmacy at university and it is extremely useful to anyone interested in the biological sciences.

Chemistry is a good preparation for many careers and Chemistry students can be found in a wide range e.g. the law, accountancy, politics and personnel management.

AS Chemistry

In AS Chemistry you will study:
• Atomic structure: electron shells and how they are divided into orbitals, the mass spectrometer and the ‘masses’ of atoms.
• Chemistry calculations: how to find the amounts of substances formed in reactions and how to find the concentrations of unknown solutions.
• Structure and bonding: different structures explain the huge variety of properties of common substances e.g. graphite and common salt.
• Patterns and trends in the Periodic Table: how Group 2 elements (metals such as magnesium) and Group 7 elements (non-metals such as chlorine) react.
• Organic Chemistry: many drugs are carbon compounds. We see how and why these can be converted into other useful substances.
• Chemical reaction rates and ‘equilibria’: how far and fast do chemical reactions go?
• Oxidation and reduction: how metals such as iron, aluminium and titanium are extracted and why these methods are used.

Assessment

Two written examinations and a practical assessment.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English/English Language and Mathematics and a B in Additional Science or Chemistry. Chemistry must be studied alongside AS Mathematics or Use of Maths and a second science or Mathematics subject.

A2 Chemistry

In A2 Chemistry you build on and develop skills and understanding gained at AS and study:
• How reaction rates depend on concentrations and how to investigate how reactions occur.
• Calculating the amount of product formed in a reversible chemical reaction.
• How we can calculate the ph of solutions of acids and alkalis and how indicators work.
• Organic compounds – how polymers e.g. polyesters and polyamides, used in textiles, are made.
• Finding the structure of organic molecules using modern spectroscopic techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance, similar to MRI scanning technology.
• The fundamental laws of energy change – why some reactions occur and others do not.
• The chemistry of the elements sodium to chlorine in the periodic table.
• How chemical reactions release electrical energy.
• Transition metals and why they are good catalysts.

Assessment

Two written exams, practical assessments carried out during the year and a written test on an aspect of the practical work.