Higher Line Chemistry

Why choose Chemistry?

The main aim of an Advanced Chemistry course is for students to gain sufficient knowledge and understanding of chemical facts and theories to enable them to apply this knowledge to both familiar and novel situations.

Many of the topics introduced in the GCSE course - Structure, Energy, Rates of Reaction, - reappear in an expanded form together with a much larger Organic section and a study of the properties of elements and their compounds according to the Periodic classification.

As at GCSE level, practical work dominates the course and develops the ability to acquire knowledge and skills, especially the fostering of imaginative and critical thinking. Practical techniques, observations and conclusions are assessed at AS level and to a higher standard for the A2 examination: most experimental work is performed individually. All classes take place in laboratories with modern facilities.

Related Subjects

Chemistry can be studied with any subject although the Maths/Physics/Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Chemistry combinations tend to be more popular.

Course requirements

A minimum of grade C in GCSE is required to study AS Chemistry

Further Important Information

A successful Advanced Chemistry student will have built up a useful reservoir of factual information by consulting the appropriate text and reference books: he or she will be well aware of social and environmental developments by reading current periodicals.

Higher Education and Careers Options

Chemistry at is an essential requirement for entry into the majority of Medical and allied courses: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy as well as Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Environmental Science and many Biological courses; it is useful for other Engineering and Agricultural courses. Chemistry can, of course, also be studied as a separate subject in Higher Education. Chemistry graduates are in demand for Research, Analytical and Management posts in Industry as well as the wider spheres of Marketing, Accountancy and Law where their qualities of scientific thinking are appreciated.

Course Details

The specification adopted is the OCR Specification A, a brief summary being shown below:

AS Level

Assessment method

Weighting at AS

Weighting at A2

F321: Atoms, Bonds and Groups

• Atoms and Reactions

• Electrons, Bonding and Structure

• The Periodic Table

1 hour written exam

AS Level – 30%

A Level – 15%

F322: Chains, Energy and Resources

• Basic Concepts and Hydrocarbons

• Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Analysis

• Energy

• Resources

1 hour 45 min

written exam

AS Level – 50%

A Level – 25%

F323: Practical Skills in Chemistry 1

• AS internal assessment

Internal assessment

AS Level – 20%

A Level – 10%

A2 Level

F324: Rings, Polymers and Analysis

• Rings, Acids and Amines

• Polymers and Synthesis

• Analysis

1 hour written exam

A Level – 15%

F325: Equilibria, Energetics and Elements

• Rates, Equilibrium and pH

• Energy

• Transition Elements

1 hour 45 min written exam