AS Level
The AS Chemistry course is quite accessible, and would be suitable for those with a good GCSE grade in Chemistry. At the end of the AS course you will have the option to take the more challenging (but even more exciting and stimulating) A2 course. We recommend those taking Chemistry to A2 level take at least one other science. Mathematics is useful, but not essential. Chemistry is difficult for those with weak language skills and often becomes a struggle for those trying to take more than the standard number of subjects at A level.
To get a certificate for Advanced Subsidiary (AS), you will need to have been assessed on your performance in the three AS units below. The department has adopted the OCR Salters Chemistry A level course (H035 and H435).
Unit F331 Chemistry for Life
The first module tells the story of the elements of life - what they are, how they originated and how they can be detected and measured. It shows how studying the composition of stars can throw light on the formation of the elements that make up our own bodies and considers how these elements combine to form the 'molecules of life'.
The second module tells the story of petrol and diesel: what they are and how they are made. It also describes the work of chemists on improving fuels for motor vehicels, and in searching for and developing alternative fuels and sustainable energy sources for the future. Important ideas about vehicle pollutants and their control are also covered.
At first sight it would seem that you have met all this before. Whilst you will be covering some very familiar material, this module builds on what you learnt at GCSE but is obviously dealt with in much more detail.
In June of the lower sixth, a 75 minute written examination will test your understanding of this module.
Unit F332 The Chemistry of natural resources
The first module of the course - Elements of Life - told the story of how the elements were formed. The theme is taken further in this module, which tells how we have learned to win back some elements from the natural resources that contain them and turn them into useful substances. The halogens and their compounds, some of which are present in sea water, have been chosen.
The focus of the second module is change - change in the atmosphere brought about by human activities, and the potential effects on life. Two major areas are exlored - the depletion of the ozone layer in the upper atmopshere and the link between increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere and global warming.
The third module has three themes. First, it tells the story of the polymer revolution - the many beneficial changes that polymers have brought to our lives. Many of the discoveries that led to important advances were made by chance; the experiments did not always go according to plan or give the expected result! This is the second theme of the module. The polymers which are produced in the largest quantities are addition polymers. The historical development of addition polymers is the third theme.
In June of the lower sixth, a 1 hour 45 minute written examination will test your understanding of this unit.
Unit F333 Chemistry in Practice
There is no formal written examination for this unit. You will be assessed by your teacher in five different skill areas during practical work as a normal and integral part of your study of chemistry. The five skill areas are:
Competence, measurement, analysis and evaluation, observation and interpretation.
All activities are carried out individually under controlled conditions.
What will the written examinations be like?
The written papers will consist mainly of short answer questions or calculations; similar to the format of the papers you met at GCSE. A minority of questions will ask you to be more descriptive, although examiners will still be looking for specific points. Prior to the examination, lessons will be set aside for revision, using past paper questions and you will hopefully feel well prepared on the day.
Will I be able to retake any of these modules?
You can retake modules in order to improve your mark. Your best mark will count toward your final grade. However, you should aim to gain your target grade first time round, as this will prevent you having to take a large number of units in an examination period. Strictly speaking, if you sit the module thinking about the insurance of a retake, then you will more than likely be retaking it next time round.
