Chemistry – A Level

A LEVEL · CHEMISTRY

Explain matter. Transform possibilities.

Explore the structure and behaviour of matter through theory, problem solving and practical investigation.

QUALIFICATION
A Level

EXAM BOARD
OCR A

DURATION
Two years

ASSESSMENT
Three exams + practical endorsement

Why choose Chemistry?

Chemistry reveals how and why substances interact, combine and transform. It develops scientific precision, logical reasoning and practical skills valued in medicine, engineering and many other professions.

What you will study

Physical chemistry
Quantitative ideas, energy, rates, equilibrium and the behaviour of matter.

Inorganic chemistry
Elements, periodic trends and patterns in chemical reactions.

Organic and analytical chemistry
Synthesis, mechanisms, spectroscopy and techniques for identifying substances.

Entry requirements

Standard PH6 entry requirements: at least five GCSEs at grades 9–5.

Science
Grade 6–6 or above in Combined Science, or grade 6 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Mathematics
Grade 6 or above.

This course suits you if…

You are inquisitive and prepared to challenge ideas.
You work precisely with language and measurements.
You persevere with demanding calculations and practical work.
You are disciplined about learning and retrieving detailed knowledge.

How you will be assessed

Component

Content

Weighting

Paper 1

Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry; 2 hours 15 minutes

37%

Paper 2

Synthesis and analytical techniques; 2 hours 15 minutes

37%

Paper 3

Unified Chemistry; 1 hour 30 minutes

26%

A practical endorsement is assessed by your teacher throughout the course.

Where Chemistry can take you

Chemistry is essential or highly valuable for many scientific, medical, engineering and analytical pathways.

Medicine Pharmacy Chemical engineering Forensics Materials science Research