Why Study Chemistry?

Are you open-minded, imaginative, argumentative, methodical, logical and determined? Do you wonder about the world, how it works and how mankind is changing it? If so, you will probably be interested in A Level Chemistry at Hinchingbrooke. It is a rewarding but demanding course, which sets the  subject within a relevant and modern-day framework, without sacrificing intellectual rigour. It builds on the higher concepts learnt at GCSE and appeals to students who like to ask the questions ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what’ and are keen to find out the answers.

What does the course involve?

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).

How will I be assessed?

There are 3 papers plus a practical endorsement.

Leading to a career in?

As far as employment prospects are concerned, Chemistry is a 'heavyweight' subject, essential for many scientific careers and highly regarded for non-vocational jobs. It has obvious relevance for medicine and veterinary science, as well as jobs in businesses involved in drugs and medicine manufacture, agriculture, brewing, food, biotechnology and forensic science – to name just a few. Any student qualified in Chemistry will automatically be regarded as someone who is numerate, well organised, self-motivated and intellectually adept – useful qualities to bring to any job.