The course chosen for study of chemistry at AS and A2 level is the Edexcel specification (8CH01/9CH01).

The AS and A-level chemistry course aims especially to foster imaginative and critical thinking and incorporate a number of themes.
The AS chemistry course is made up of three units covering the themes of:

The mole

Metals and non-metals in the periodic table

Organic reactions

Energy

Redox reactions

Internal practical assessment

These themes are developed at different levels through the course and build upon the process skills inherent in GCSE.

In the second year of the course, leading to A-level, a further 3 units are studied. In addition to the themes above, these units also cover:

Rates of reaction

Entropy

Equilibria

Structure

Further organic chemistry

Transition metals

Internal practical assessment

Chemistry is a fascinating and fast-developing subject and is a requirement for many professions including medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy and chemical engineering. It is also a useful experimental science to have as a basis for man university courses including the biological sciences, engineering, food science and psychology.