Chemistry AS/A Level (Year 1)

Start Date

Level: 3

Course Course: CESCH1A

Area: A-Levels & Science Dental & Pharmacy

Campus: City Campus

About this Course

This evening AS/A Level chemistry course is primarily for mature students and builds on concepts developed at GCSE. Students on this course complete OCR AS Chemistry A which also forms the first year of the A Level Chemistry course. This course demands an enthusiasm for chemistry, a commitment to work hard and an ability to work independently and take responsibility for your own progress, but the effort is rewarded by a well-regarded qualification. Practical work is an important aspect of the course. A significant part of the written AS/A Level exams is indirect assessment of practical skills. Practical skills are also assessed directly for the separate A Level Practical Endorsement which is completed in Year 2. A pass in the Practical Endorsement is an entry requirement for many university courses.

Key Units

OCR AS in Chemistry A (H032) / A Level in Chemistry A Year 1 (H432)

The subject content of AS Chemistry is the same as that of the first 4 modules of the A Level.

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry

Chemistry is a practical subject and the development of practical skills is fundamental to understanding the nature of chemistry. Practical skills are embedded throughout the course. Skills in planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating are assessed in the written examinations. Skills in the use of a wide range of apparatus and techniques, use and application of scientific methods and practices, independent thinking, and research and referencing are assessed through a minimum of 12 practicals for the Practical Endorsement.

Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry

This module builds on ideas studied at GCSE and develops a platform of key concepts in chemistry. During this module you will learn about:

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

Module 3: Periodic Table and Energy

This module is an introduction to inorganic and physical chemistry. During this module you will learn about:

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

Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry

This module is an introduction to organic chemistry. During this module you will learn about:

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

For more information you can visit the OCR website.

Assessment Details

Students take the two AS exams at the end of the first year. AS is a separate qualification from the A Level, so the marks achieved for the AS do not contribute to the A Level grade. The A Level grade is based entirely on the marks achieved in the three exams taken at the end of the 2 year course.

The Practical Endorsement result does not contribute to the A Level grade, but it appears on the A Level certificate as a separately reported result of either ‘Pass’ or ‘Not Classified’.

AS Assessment

Two written examinations taken in May/June at the end of year 1:

1. Breadth in Chemistry (1½ hours, 70 marks)

2. Depth in Chemistry (1½ hours, 70 marks)

A Level Assessment

Three written examinations, taken in June at the end of year 2, and Practical Endorsement:

1. Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (2¼ hours, 100 marks)

2. Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (2¼ hours, 100 marks)

3. Unified Chemistry (1½ hours, 70 marks)

4. Practical Endorsement in Chemistry (non-exam assessment)

Entry Requirements

GCSE Chemistry grade B/6 (or equivalent) OR
GCSE Science grade B and GCSE Additional Science grade B
GCSE Maths grade B/6 (or equivalent)
GCSE English Language grade C/4 (or equivalent)

Anyone interested in joining the course must first be interviewed (informally, often by phone) by the course tutor, Brian Jackson (brian.jackson@sheffcol.ac.uk).

Assessment

Exams and Practical Endorsement (see Key Units for full details).

Where does this Lead

Many students progress onto A Level Chemistry (Year 2) after achieving AS Chemistry.

Chemistry is a well-respected subject and is suitable for entry into a wide range of professions. With a qualification in Chemistry you could go on to Higher Education, studying Chemistry or other sciences or related subjects, or work in science-based industry such as chemical engineering, materials science or biotechnology. It is essential for the medical field, pharmacy and environmental science.

Future Opportunities

Students who have studied A Level Chemistry at The Sheffield College have gone to university (locally and nationally) to study many different subjects, including:

Biochemistry
Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Education
Forensic and Analytical Science
Law
Mathematics
Medicine
Nursing
Pharmacy
Psychology
Veterinary Science
Zoology

Tell Me More

Tutor Expertise

The chemistry tutor who teaches this course has 25 years of experience teaching A Level chemistry.

Study Mode

This is an evening course, typically delivered one evening per week. It is also possible to study the course in one year.

Extra Costs

You are expected to obtain at least one of the recommended textbooks. The following books are endorsed by OCR for use with the specification:

A Level Chemistry A for OCR Year 1 and AS Student Book, Rob Ritchie & Dave Gent, Oxford University Press 2015, ISBN: 978-0-19-835196-2
A Level Chemistry A for OCR Student Book, Rob Ritchie & Dave Gent, Oxford University Press 2015, ISBN: 978-0-19-835197-9. (This combines Year 1 and Year 2 books)
OCR AS/A Level Chemistry A Student Book 1 + Activity Book, Sam Holyman, David Scott & Victoria Stutt, Pearson 2015, ISBN: 9781447990789.
OCR A Level Chemistry Student Book 1, Mike Smith & John Older, Hodder Education 2015, ISBN: 9781471827068.

CGP Student Books and Revision Guides can be ordered through college at a reduced price.

You are expected to bring pens, pencils, paper, ruler and a scientific calculator to each class.

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