What You Will Study

Chemistry investigates how and why substances react together and how these can be used to enhance our lives – for example the development of medicines and food production. It is a core science, where you will develop descriptive, analytical and strong problem solving skills, providing you with an excellent grounding in the three main areas of the subject: physical chemistry, organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry.

During your first year you will study atomic structure, chemistry calculations, structure and bonding, chemical equilibria and reaction rates, oxidation and reduction, patterns and trends in the Periodic Table, and organic chemistry. In the second year you will develop your skills and understanding to look at how studying reaction rates can be linked to understanding how reactions take place, organic chemistry, the fundamental laws of energy change, how chemical reactions can be used to give electrical energy and the design of electrochemical cells. You will also explore the pH scale in more depth, develop an understanding of equilibria and why transition metals are good catalysts and have coloured compounds.

Each week you will be tasked with classroom-based work which you will back up with independent study to reinforce the knowledge and skills covered. Some topics involve more practical work than others and experiments are a key part of the course; there are important skills and competencies you will develop to make you a more proficient practical chemist.

Our chemistry laboratory was recently refurbished, creating an excellent environment with a wide range of specialist technical apparatus to help your study at A Level. Trips in recent years have included visiting the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition at the Royal Society in London, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with a current, cutting-edge research.

We recommend you take this subject alongside at least one of the following A Level subjects: biology, maths and physics.