An A Level science student at Sunderland College.

A-Level Chemistry

School leaver

Start Date:	Duration:	Level:	Study mode:	Course Location:	Course Type:
September	2 Years	Level 3	Part-Time - Day	Bede Campus	A-Levels	Apply	Enquire

What’s it all about?

Delve into the fascinating world of Chemistry, where you'll explore the composition of materials and their interactions with the environment. This course begins with essential topics such as the periodic table, energy principles, and foundational organic chemistry. You'll engage in hands-on practical tasks, honing your analytical skills by performing experiments, analysing results, and evaluating data.
As you progress, the curriculum delves deeper into physical chemistry, examines transition elements, and introduces advanced organic chemistry alongside sophisticated analytical techniques. This comprehensive approach not only nurtures your logical thinking and creativity but also equips you with the expertise required for a successful career in fields like biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, or medicine. Embrace the opportunity to transform your passion for chemistry into a profession that makes a tangible impact on the world.

What do you need to apply for the course?

You will need 5 GCSE's at grades 5-9, including grade 6 in Maths, Science at grade 6, or Chemistry and another science at grade 6.

*Course costs

Study level	Cost	Additional fees
16-18	Free	You will need to provide your own stationery and you will be given the opportunity to take part in trips and visits.

How will you be assessed?

On this course you will learn through theoretical lessons with practical work inside and outside of the classroom.
This course covers a range of topics including organic chemistry and physical chemistry.

Maths & English

English and Maths are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and progress to your dream career. If you have not already achieved grade 9-4 in GCSE Maths and/ or English at school, we will support you to improve your skills.

Time commitments

Our A Level programmes allow you to choose multiple subjects, enabling you to study 3–4 A Levels over two years or combine them with equivalent vocational qualifications, with each subject taught for 4 hours and 30 minutes per week across three separate lessons and your timetable determined by your chosen subjects (provided at the start of the academic year).
Although you are not required to be on campus when you do not have a timetabled lesson, we strongly recommend making effective use of our learning facilities and resources during these periods to stay on top of your work.

Aims

The aim of this course is to give you a good grounding in chemistry that you can take forward into one of the many scientific degrees offered at university.

Modules

The topics you cover will include:

Physical chemistry -
- Atomic structure
- Amount of substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
- Thermodynamics
- Rate equations
- Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
- Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
- Acids and bases

Inorganic chemistry -
- Periodicity
- Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
- Group 7(17), the halogens
- Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
- Transition metals
- Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic chemistry -
-Introduction to organic chemistry
- Alkanes
- Halogenoalkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Organic analysis
- Optical isomerism
- Aldehydes and ketones
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic chemistry
- Amines
- Polymers
- Amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Organic synthesis
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Chromatography

What’s next?

Upon completing this course, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue higher education in fields such as biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, or medicine. Your strong foundation in chemistry will also open doors to careers in research, environmental science, and forensic analysis. Embrace the opportunity to transform your passion into a profession that makes a tangible impact on the world.