CHEMISTRY
  		 

EDEXCEL, Specification 9080 Advanced/8080 Advanced Subsidiary

'AS' Assessment
Unit Code  Title/Description Method of Assessment Distribution of Marks
1 6241 Structure, bonding and main group chemistry Externally Assessed Written Examination 

30%

‘AS’

15%

‘A’ Level
2 6242 Introductory organic chemistry Written paper

30%

‘AS’

15%

‘A’ Level
3A 6243/01

Laboratory Chemistry I

 Externally Assessed Written Examination   (1 hour)

20%

‘AS’

10%

‘A’ Level
3B 6243/02

 Laboratory chemistry 

Internally Assessed Coursework

20%

‘AS’

10%

‘A’ Level

'A2' Assessment
Unit Code  Title/Description Method of Assessment Distribution of Marks
4 6244 Periodicity, quantitative equilibra and functional group chemistry Externally Assessed Written Examination  15%
5 6245 Transition metals, quantitative kinetics and applied organic chemistry Externally Assessed Written Examination  15%
6A 6246/01 Laboratory Chemistry II Internally Assessed Coursework 10%
6B 6246/02

 Synoptic 

Externally Assessed Written Examination 10%

Course Outline
Have you ever wondered why a stick of dynamite explodes, how we can produce fire retardant materials for furniture manufacture, where all that energy in sugar comes from, or what actually is this ozone layer that people talk about?  If you have, you have been thinking about Chemistry.  Our entire world is composed of about one hundred different elements, but the atoms of these elements in linking to form compounds can combine in millions of ways.  Modern Chemistry involves the study of the way atoms are linked together with chemical bonds to form larger structures such as molecules.  Much of Chemistry is concerned with elucidating chemical structures by using such techniques as nuclear magnetic resonance, infra-red spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.  Chemists are also concerned with studying changes that take place and the patterns that occur when atoms within a structure disengage from one another and link up to form new structures.  The very essence of Chemistry is studying this breaking and making of chemical bonds.

When we understand there are rules, we can explain why diamond is hard but rubber is elastic.  If we then manufacture new chemicals we can use the rules to our advantage and produce polymers or plastics, alloys for aircraft engines, heatproof tiles for space shuttles and drugs to fight disease.

The 'A' Level course is a modular one.  The syllabus consists of eight components.  Four of the units, which are worth 15% each, cover the scientific knowledge and understanding that is required.  Units 3 and 6 both examine the practical skills that are required.

 

     

Career Prospects  
 Chemistry is a central area in science and as such it overlaps with other areas.  This results in Chemistry being an essential requirement for admission to university to study a range of subjects.  A list of some degree courses, requiring Chemistry includes Agriculture, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Dentistry, Geology, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biology, Medicine and Polymer Technology.  A much wider range of courses welcomes Chemistry as an admission qualification.