Chemistry A Level
Examining Board: OCR
Overview
Curious about how medicines are developed, how new materials are created, or how chemistry can help tackle climate change? OCR A Chemistry builds on your GCSE knowledge through practical experiments and real-world applications, developing the analytical, mathematical and problem-solving skills valued by universities and employers. You'll explore the science behind medicine, energy, sustainability and modern technology, gaining a deeper understanding of how chemistry shapes the world around us and opens doors to a wide range of STEM careers.
The course shows how chemistry is at the heart of modern science, industry and technology.
Course Content
A Level Chemistry has the following topics:
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Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry: titrations, chemical analysis, organic synthesis
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Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry: bonding, mole calculations, atomic structure
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Module 3 – Periodic table and energy: group 2 and 7, energy in reactions
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Module 4 – Core organic chemistry: alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and haloalkanes
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Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements: rate and equilibria, transition metals
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Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis: carboxylic acids, benzene, nitrogen compounds, polymers and organic synthesis
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language, and grade 6 or above in Combined Science or Chemistry; Grade 6 or above in Mathematics.
How is it Assessed?
Paper 1: Periodic table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (37%)
Paper 2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (37%)
Paper 3: Unified Chemistry (26%)
Practical Endorsement in Chemistry
Future Pathways with Chemistry
Chemistry is highly valued by universities and employers, providing an excellent foundation for degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry and Engineering. The course develops practical, analytical and problem-solving skills that open doors to careers in healthcare, research, industry, environmental science, finance and many other STEM fields.
