Key Stage 5
Qualification
OCR - AS and A level Chemistry
AS students are examined in three Units.
- AS Unit 1 - Chemistry for Life
- AS Unit 2 - Chemistry of natural resources
- AS Unit 3 - Constitutes the coursework
A2 students study a further two modules and submit an Individual Investigation .
- A2 Unit 1 - Chemistry in Materials
- A2 Unit 2 - Chemistry by Design
- A2 Unit 3 - Constitutes the coursework
Course Length
AS 1 year. A level 2 years
Entry Requirements
GCSE Chemistry or a higher grade pass (B) in GCSE Additional Science (Higher Tier) would normally be expected. We would also expect you to have at least a grade C in four of your other GCSE subjects including Maths and English. AS Chemistry is not a recommended progression route for students who studied GCSE Applied Science, however we intend to offer an AS in Applied Science in September 2009.
Course Delivery
Both AS and A level Chemistry will be delivered by two teachers as a laboratory based subject with the emphasis on the use of class experiments to illustrate and reinforce subject content.
For students to be successful they are expected to complete five to eight hours of study time per week to complement their contact time in college.
A structured visit to the Chemical Industry will form part of the course.
Assessment Method
Name |
Description |
% of AS |
% of A Level |
AS level |
|
|
|
Unit 1 (F331) 1 ¼ hr written paper |
Chemistry for Life
|
30 |
15 |
Unit 2 (F332) 1 ¾ hr written paper |
Chemistry of Natural Resources
|
50 |
25 |
Unit 3 (F333)
|
Chemistry in Practice
|
20 |
10 |
A2 level |
|
|
|
Unit 1 (F334) 1 ½ hr written paper |
Chemistry in Materials
|
|
15 |
Unit 2 (F335) 2 hr written paper |
Chemistry by Design
|
|
20 |
Unit 3 (F336) Individual Investigation |
Chemistry Individual Investigation
|
|
15 |
Useful Link
Salters A Level Chemistry - This is a specific and excellent web site for A Level Salters Chemistry students
Progression from the course
The modern world is dependent upon Chemistry to produce many of its constructional materials, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fuel and many other items.
A level Chemistry is a valuable route into a science based career or as a qualification in its own right. A high proportion of our students progress into Higher Education.
A vast array of choice exists for students of A-level Chemistry to link Chemistry with other disciplines at degree level. For example at one of our local Universities (Newcastle) Chemistry is offered with the following
- Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc (Hons)
- Chemistry with European Studies (French or German) BSc Hons
And many more combinations with other disciplines are possible at Newcastle and other institutions.
Numerous careers are open to Graduates from a chemical background. Industries such as Oil, Chemical and Pharmaceuticals are among the most successful and well-resourced companies in the world. Within such large organisations opportunities within research and development, production, sales and marketing, accountancy and management are open to chemists.
Chemistry is recognised as an academic subject, apart form the acquisition of knowledge, skills that are highly prized by employers such as the ability to formulate, analyse and solve complex problems start to be developed by students who study AS and A level Chemistry.
