There are so many amazing developments in chemical research at present: Extending battery life, recycling more materials, tackling environmental issues, solving food, energy and drinking water shortages and developing more effective and less toxic medicines.

Chemistry is divided into 3 subsections:

Physical chemistry covers reaction kinetics and equilibria. It explores the energy released by each stage of a reaction and enables calculation of overall energy changes. We are able to construct complex cycles linking stages of reactions in order to calculate the energy change for the ‘impossible’ stage.

Organic chemistry focuses on the carbon-based molecules that make up living tissue, starting with alkanes and alkenes and developing into larger and more complex molecules such as the amino acids that make up proteins.

Inorganic chemistry involves using the periodic table to establish, explain and predict trends in reactivity. At A Level we focus on groups 2 and 7 and transition elements. Atomic structure, especially electron arrangement can be used to predict reactivity and the formulae of compounds. We also learn how to test for and identify certain gases and ions.

Chemistry A Level zooms in on concepts from GCSE revealing more about electron arrangement, intermolecular forces and reaction mechanisms. Many concepts in chemistry are advanced using mathematical reasoning and calculations, hence the Maths GCSE entry requirement.

Chemistry A Level is an excellent option if you plan to study any science in greater depth beyond A Level. It is also a highly respectable qualification if you decide to follow any path as it builds excellent observational and analytical skills.