Preston College

A Level Chemistry

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Entry Requirements

37 GCSE points including Chemistry at grade B or above, or Additional Science at grade B or above: you will also need a grade B or above in Maths.

Duration

2 Years.

Your Course:

Chemistry is the science which studies the production of new substances. It turns the naturally occurring items like crude oil and limestone into the more useful things like plastic and cement that we see around us. It affects our whole life and, as such, is of relevance to us all. Chemistry is everywhere!

Areas you will study include:

• Atomic structure - A more detailed model of the arrangement of electrons in to energy sub levels, as well as the familiar energy levels
• Chemical bonding - Ionic and covalent bonds are the extreme cases. Learn how the bonds in most substances are in fact something in between
• Kinetics (Rates of reaction) - Learn that the rule “double the concentration doubles the rate” is only the most commons relationship: there are several others!
• Thermodynamics - Learn why some chemical changes occur explosively, even how to calculate the amount of energy released.
• Equilibria (Reversible reactions) - Become a chemical wizard! Learn how to push chemical reactions backwards and forwards at your command.
• Organic chemistry - Alkanes and alkenes are only two families of compounds. Add to this the reactions of alcohols, organic acids and several others.
• Analytical techniques - Find out how it is possible to identify an unknown compound from just one drop of the substance.

Your Enrichment

As well as the wide variety of sporting enrichment activities available to all students, there are opportunities for trips including talks with experts from industries where Chemistry is used and a medical sciences forum to develop your skills and knowledge for university applications.

Your Future

Chemistry contains a strong vocational element for aspiring medical, veterinary, forensic and engineering students. In all these areas career prospects are never likely to look bleak. However, you should not forget that an A level in Chemistry can equally be used as a preparation for further study in non-scientific areas such as law, business studies and many others.