A-Level Chemistry

• Course Code: BA309

A-Level Chemistry is widely valued by universities for its status as a traditional academic qualification.

On this A-Level Chemistry course, you will be able to:

• Explore the fascinating field of chemistry;
• Boost your University applications with extra UCAS points;
• Develop investigative and practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge.

Course Content

Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry (CHEM1)

• Atomic structure
• Amount of substance
• Bonding
• Periodicity
• Introduction to organic chemistry
• Alkanes

Unit 2: Chemistry in Action (CHEM2)

• Energetics
• Kinetics
• Equilibria
• Redox reactions
• Group 7, the halogens
• Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
• Extraction of metals
• Haloalkanes
• Alkenes
• Alcohols
• Analytical techniques

Unit 3: Investigative and Practical Skills (CHEM3)

• Describe and demonstrate ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques
• Process and select appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods
• Make, record and communication reliable and valid observations
• Make measurements with appropriate precision and  accuracy
• Analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology and results.

Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry (CHEM4)

• Kinetics
• Equilibria
• Acids and bases
• Nomenclature and isomerism in organic chemistry
• Compounds containing the carbonyl group
• Aromatic chemistry
• Amines
• Amino acids
• Polymers
• Organic synthesis and analysis
• Structure determination

Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM5)

• Thermodynamics
• Periodicity
• Redox equilibria
• Transition metals
• Reactions of inorganic compounds in aqueous solutions

Unit 6: Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Chemistry (CHEM6)

• Describe and demonstrate ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques
• Process and select appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods
• Make, record and communication reliable and valid observations
• Make measurements with appropriate precision and  accuracy
• Analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology and results.

Assessment

• Unit 1: CHEM1
  33.3% of the total AS level marks
  16.75% of the total A level marks
  1 hour 15 minutes examination paper
  70 raw marks
  4-6 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions
  
  
• Unit 2: CHEM2
  46.75% of the total AS level marks
  23.3% of the total A level marks
  1 hour 45 minutes examination paper
  100 raw marks
  6-8 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions
  
  
• Unit 3: CHEM3
  20% of total AS level marks
  10% of total A level marks
  
  Either:
  CHM3T - Route T
  Centre-marked route
  Practical skills assessment 12 raw marks
  Investigative skills assessment, 38 raw marks
  
  Or:
  CHM3X - Route X
  Externally marked route
  Practical skills verification
  Externally marked practical assignment, 50 raw marks

• Unit 4: CHEM4
  20% of the total A level marks
  1 hour 45 minutes examination paper
  100 raw marks
  6-8 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions
  
  
• Unit 5: CHEM5
  20% of the total A level marks
  2 hours 45 minutes examination paper
  100 raw marks
  6-8 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions
  
  
• Unit 6: CHEM6
  10% of the total A level marks
  
  Either:
  CHEM6T
  Centre marked route T, 50 marks
  Practical skills assessment, 12 raw marks
  Investigative skills assessment, 38 marks
  
  Or:
  CHEM6X
  Externally marked route X, 50 marks
  Practical skills verification
  Externally marked practical assessment, 50 marks

Course Duration

There is no specific time limit for completing your home learning course; your only real deadlines are the A-Level examinations, which take place every year during January and June (practical assessments only take place in June). You can book onto these examinations when you are ready. Students are advised to contact AQA exam centres, as cut-off dates for exams occasionally change.

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual and study guide, plus full tutor support by email. Your A-Level course materials will be sent out to you once you enrol.

Throughout the course there will be self-assessment questions, and tutor marked questions, to enable you to monitor your progress. You will receive envelopes in order to submit your assignments.

Qualifications

This course prepares students for A-Level Chemistry for examination in 2012 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive an A-Level in Chemistry (AQA, specification code 2420).

Course Questions & Answers

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

Students will need a minimum of GCSE grade C or above in Chemistry. Students should also be familiar with the following:

• Arithmetic and computation
• Handling data
• Algebra
• Graphs
• Geometry

Students will also have an understanding of the following terms; molecule, ion, compound element, isomer, isotape, oxidation, bond, reduction, hydrolysis, condensation and wavelength.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

• Student record bag
• Pen
• Mouse mat
• Study guide
• Comprehensive study notes
• Personal tutor support
• Assignment marking and feedback
• Accreditation

Q: Is there a required reading list?

We recommend the following textbooks to help you with your studies; however, they are not essential for completion of the course:

• AS Chemistry for AQA, Ted Lister and Janet Renshaw (ISBN:9780748782802)
• A2 Chemistry for AQA, Ted Lister and Janet Renshaw, (ISBN: 9780748782796)

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A-Level examinations and internal assessments in order to fully complete this course, but arranging them is simple. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself, and Open Study College can provide you with a list of AQA examination centres for you.

You can find the test centres at this link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/admin/p_private.php

Students will also need to find a centre for the practical elements of this course. We have an arrangement with a centre in Birmingham which will allow students to take practical and theoretical exams, but you may wish to find a local centre of your own choice. Students will need to contact their chosen centre directly to arrange these assessments. For further information on the Birmingham centre, please go to http://englishandmaths.com/index.php

 Q: Are there any additional costs?

You will normally be required to pay a small fee for your exam entries at the examination centre you choose to attend. You may also wish to purchase textbooks to supplement the course, but this is entirely optional. 

Q: What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A-Level course. You will, however, be required to take the examinations within the UK, as this is the only reliable way to access examination centres.

Q: What do I do if I still have questions?

For further information please contact us.