What is the course about?

Almost every problem facing the world today, such as an outbreak of a flu pandemic, alternative energy sources, or making a wonder drug to cure cancer, will require chemistry and chemists to find the answers. Chemistry is key in the understanding of advances in technology such as analytical techniques, polymers and the environment. The course provides an interesting and challenging experience to link key chemical ideas and understand how they relate to each other.

Course content

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry

• Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry

• Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations.
• Amount of substance.
• Acid–base and redox reactions.
• Electrons, bonding and structure.

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy

• The Periodic table and periodicity.
• Group 2 and the halogens.
• Qualitative analysis.
• Enthalpy changes.
• Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative).

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry

• Basic concepts.
• Hydrocarbons.
• Alcohols and haloalkanes.
• Organic synthesis.
• Analytical techniques (IR, MS).

 Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements

• Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative).
• pH and buffers.
• Enthalpy, entropy and free energy.
• Redox and electrode potentials.
• Transition elements.

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

• Aromatic compounds.
• Carbonyl compounds.
• Carboxylic acids and esters.
• Nitrogen compounds.
• Polymers.
• Organic synthesis.
• Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).

Career pathways

Research, pharmaceuticals, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, medicine, forensic science, dentistry, radiography, pharmacy, archaeology, optometry and nursing.

Entry criteria

Minimum of a grade 6-6 in the GCSE Combined Science Award or a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry. Also a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics will be required.