AS/A Level Chemistry
Start Date
Mon Sep 09 2024
Day / Time
Weekdays
Duration
1 year
Campus
Baltic Campus
For A-level Chemistry, we follow the AQA specification and study in depth three main pathways: physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.
We pick up where you left off with GCSE, taking a more in-depth look at familiar topics such as bonding, atomic structure, reversible reactions/equilibria as well as alkanes and alkenes.
Chemistry is the study of all chemical substances and how to change one chemical into another.
The food you eat, the air you breathe, your own body, the plants and streets around you are all made of chemicals.
Throughout the course, we look at real-world applications of chemistry including how it powers the batteries in your mobile phones through redox reactions, how it is used to test for and quantify alcohol in breath/blood samples and how it can be used to outline the gut during x-rays.
Chemistry is also studied in an environmental and social context with there being a large focus on pollution and sustainability.
With all industries facing pressures to become more sustainable and create a safe environment for future generations, Chemistry is all the more important as it helps to decrease pollution by detecting the toxins and by destroying them.
We also look at the problems and solutions of polymer disposal; the cause of ozone depletion; as well as carbon neutral processes, for example using ethanol as a biofuel, amongst other current issues that we as a planet are facing.
If you enjoy logical problem-solving, then chemistry is for you.
You’ll develop strong skills in:
- Maths
- Analysis
- Time management and organisation
- Rrecording and monitoring data
- Teamwork.
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed in a variety of ways, including:
- Frequent topic tests
- Mock assessments
- Practical assessments
- Exams; the three main branches of chemistry: physical, inorganic and organic will be assessed through two 1.5 hour exams at AS Level (year one) and three 2 hour exams at A Level (year two).
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the
most out of your time at college.
We
have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our
students.
Our
specialist teams can help with:
-
Learning difficulties
-
Physical and sensory disabilities
- Dyslexia,
dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning
difficulties
- Mental
health and well being
- Exam
access arrangements
- Money,
finance and bursary advice
- Careers
advice, job and university applications
See
here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us
on 0191 490 4627.
Each level lasts one year, so you'll spend a year studing AS Level and a year studying A Level.
Each year more students are studying science subjects as they realise that science degrees generally lead on to higher incomes.
More students are studying pure chemistry or chemistry based subjects like pharmacy, medical chemistry or environmental chemistry.
AS or A Level Chemistry is particularly important if you want to study medicine, veterinary science, dentistry or biochemistry at university.
It is also appreciated by admissions tutors in many other subjects, including law, due to its logical discipline.
It is useful if you want to go on and study subjects such as geology, physical geography, engineering or material science.
Many chemistry graduates are also recruited by the financial companies in the City of London and so start with high salaries.
You will need to achieve 6 grade 6 GCSEs to study A Levels at Gateshead College. In addition, to study Chemistry you will need to achieve a grade 7 in GCSE Chemistry or a 76 in GCSE Combined Science.
If you do not meet this profile please still come to an enrolment event to discuss all your options with a member of the A Level Team. An interview is also required.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246, [email protected] or via Live Chat. Or pop along to one of our Enrolment Events.
