Chemistry

Entry requirements

6 in Combined Science, or

6 in two of the Separate Science GCSEs inc. Chemistry

5 in GCSE Maths

What will I study

Physical Chemistry:

Atomic structure, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics

Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle

Oxidation, reduction and redox equations

Thermodynamics, Rate equations

Equilibrium, Kp, Electrode potentials

Acids and bases

Inorganic Chemistry:

Periodicity, Group 2, the alkaline earth metals

Group 7(17), the halogens

Properties of period 3 and oxides

Transition metals

Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic Chemistry:

Introduction to organic chemistry

Alkanes

Halogenoalkanes

Alkenes

Alcohols

Organic analysis

Optical isomerism

Aldehydes and ketones

Carboxylic acids and derivatives

Aromatic Chemistry

Amines

Polymers

Amino acids

Proteins and DNA

Organic synthesis

NMR

Chromatography

How will I be assessed?

Papers 1 and 2: 35% each of the A-level. Physical and Organic Chemistry, practical skills and endorsement. Each two hours, 105 marks of short and long answer questions.

Paper 3: 30% of the A-level. Synoptic paper: Range of content and practical skills, two hours.

You will complete 12 required practical tasks during the course, which will be assessed as part of your final practical endorsement. This will be pass or fail, which is reported separately to the Exam Board.

Is this subject for me?

Chemistry opens your eyes to the inner working of the world around you. As it is essential to the development of new products and new materials there is always a very high demand for skilled chemists, opening up great opportunities for a wide range of careers.

Getting a chemistry A-level is hard work, which is why it is so well respected by employers and universities.

Where can this lead me?

Chemistry can lead to a range of wide degree pathways that include both sciences and non-science courses, from chemical engineering to law. Nearly all courses in chemistry require another science or maths A-level so bear this in mind when choosing your options.

Chemistry can lead to a wide range of jobs including:

Lecturer

Chemical Researcher

Nurse

Biomedical Scientist

Project Manager

Research Fellow

Analytical Chemist

Environmental Chemist

Pharmacist

Doctor

Lawyer

Solicitor

Finance

Management Consultancy

Veterinary Surgeon

Patent Attorney

What else is there?

When studying Chemistry you will have the chance to visit the labs of the University of Sussex Chemistry department. You will also be able to participate in an undergraduate level practical investigation, which will include making a scientific poster to present your research, method and results. Our strong partnership with world-leading engineering firm Ricardo means that you will gain access to their fuel testing labs to apply your advanced chemistry knowledge and skills. You will also have the opportunity to engage in a chemistry-based IRIS research project and present your findings to the wider scientific community.