AS and A Level Chemistry

Board:	Edexcel
Course code:	AS Level: 8CH01, A2 Level: 9CH02
Duration:	2 years (full A level) or 1 year (AS level)
Aims of the course:	To develop students’ interest in, and enthusiasm, for chemistry; An appreciation of how society makes decisions about scientific issues; To develop skills for the safe and competent manipulation of chemical apparatus and identifying unknown compounds.
Topics covered:	AS level Unit 1: The core principles of chemistry – moles, bonding and atomic structure Unit 2: The core principles of chemistry – shape, intermolecular forces, organic and green chemistry Unit 3: Chemistry laboratory skills I A2 level Unit 4: General principles of chemistry I – rates, equilibria and further organic chemistry Unit 5: General principles of chemistry II – transition metals and organic nitrogen chemistry Unit 6: Chemistry laboratory skills II
Assessed:	AS By examination. 1 module taken in January, and 1 module and 1 practical examination taken in May/June	A2 By examination. 1 module taken in January, and 1 module and 1 practical examination taken in May/June
Assessment details:	AS Paper 1 (20%) Multiple choice and structured questions 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 2 (20%) Multiple choice and structured questions and questions on contemporary contexts 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 3 (10%) Practical assessment - Written paper (Alternative to practical paper)	A2 Paper 4 (20%) Multiple choice and structured questions and data book questions 1 hour 40 minutes Paper 5 (20%) Multiple choice and structured questions and questions on contemporary contexts 1 hour 40 minutes Paper 6 (10%) Practical assessment - Written paper (Alternative to practical paper)
	The multiple choice questions test knowledge, understanding and manipulative skills, while greater emphasis is placed on problem solving in the structured question papers, and spelling punctuation and grammar in the some of the structured questions. NOTES 1. There is no choice of question. 2. Scientific calculators may be used with every paper.
Leads to:	An A-level chemistry course provides not only an 'in depth' study of chemistry but also aims to develop those skills essential for a successful university career in chemical engineering, medicine, pharmacy and related subjects.