Course details may be subject to change.
If you are interested in studying A Levels at New College Durham please just complete one application form and you will be able to choose your subjects once you have had your interview. You do not need to apply for each of the subjects you are interested.
This subject will explore how this area of science is organised, the way in which its ideas have developed and the evidence for our current data. Chemistry at this level attempts to explain why processes happen, working out the reasons for chemical changes and the trends and patterns in these changes. You will study rates of reaction, energy changes, equilibria, carbon chemistry, and amounts of substance.
Entry Criteria
You will need to hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at 9 to 4 (A* to C) which must include maths and English.
Ideally you will hold:
- GCSE Maths - grade 6
- GCSE English Language - grade 6
- GCSE Science - grade 6,6 (6 in Chemistry)
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a course tutor; please bring a copy of your GCSE grades or predicted GCSE grades.
Study Aims
A-Level Chemistry will give you a fantastic insight into the contemporary world of Chemistry. You will cover key concepts of Chemistry with practical skills integrated throughout the course.
This combination of academic work and practical work will allow you to cement your understanding by giving it context and real life application. You will gain essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject, and be able to form links between areas
Chemistry is taught in a range of different contexts, and you will look at the impact is has on industry and everyday life. You will develop many skills, including learning to process difficult problems using a logical and justified approach.
Modules Studied
Year 1:
- Foundations in Chemistry - This module provides the basic knowledge on which the course is built upon. Topics include; Atoms, Structure and Bonding, Shapes of molecules, Amount of substance, Intermolecular forces.
Years 1 & 2:
- Practical Skills in Chemistry - This module is taught throughout the 2 years of study and is composed of a number of required practical assignments.
- Periodicity - This module is based around the periodic table and looks at patterns and trends in reactivity and properties. Topics include; Group 2 reactions, Group 7 reactions, Reactivity trends, Enthalpy, Reaction rates and Equilibrium.
- Physical Chemistry - This module covers the basics of Organic Chemistry, including naming, representing and drawing Organic compounds. You will also look into more depth at how certain reactions actually happen and how we can manipulate reactions to make desirable products. Areas you will study include; Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Haloalkanes, Organic synthesis and Analytical Techniques.
Year 2:
- Physical Chemistry and Transitional eEements - In this module you will re-visit a number of key areas and go into greater depth to understand the how and why of certain concepts. Key topics include, Rates of reaction, Equilibrium, Acids, Bases and pH, Buffer solutions, Entropy and Free energy, Redox reactions and Transition elements.
- Organic Chemistry and Analysis - This module will look more Organic groups such as; Carbonyls, Amines, Amino acids, and Benzene. This topic also includes advanced analytical techniques such as NMR and Chromatography. This topic provides pupils to see how many organic reactions can be manipulated to produce desired products.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught by lecturers who are specialists in their subjects. Teaching is classroom based and involves group work and individual work. Independent study is essential outside of the classroom and frequent homework will be given.
You will sit monthly in-class assessment for which you will receive extensive feedback, as well as other assessments throughout the academic year, which will help you track your progress.
Terminal exams will be in May/June.
Placement
Work placements are an important part of the programme and all learners will be given assistance in finding a suitable position.
This A-Level, in combination with other subjects, could enable you to apply for degree courses in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Dentistry, Dietetics, Environmental Science, Geology, Medicine, Nursing/Midwifery, Pharmacy, or Veterinary Science.
