Science: A Level Chemistry

Examination Board: OCR

Outline of Content in Each Module:

Chemistry Foundation
In this module you will learn about the structure of the atom, the importance of atomic masses, formulae and equations, chemical bonding and structure, and trends and patterns in the Periodic table.

Chains and Rings
In this module you will learn about the chemical ideas that underpin organic chemistry, some of the important chemicals produced from oil, the chemistry of alcohols and organic halogen compounds, and the role chemists in developing fuels and combating pollution.

How Far, How Fast?
In this module, which is shorter in length than 2811 and 2812, you will learn about energy changes in chemical reactions, the rate of chemical reactions and the use of catalysts, and the control of reversible reactions to produce useful industrial chemicals.

Chains, Rings and Spectroscopy
In this module you will learn about how chemists use organic compounds to manufacture useful materials such as pharmaceuticals, antiseptics, perfumes, dyes and polymers. You will learn about how spectroscopy is used to find the structure of carbon compounds.

Trends and Patterns
In this module you will learn about lattice energy, and the Periodic table including trends of compounds in Period 3 and patterns shown by the Transition Elements.

Biochemistry
In this module you will learn about some of the chemicals in living organisms including proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.

Separate Skills Assessment 2813/2 and 2816/2

Practical work is a crucial area in the studying of Sciences at all levels. As your skills improve work will be assessed. The four main areas of assessment are Planning, Implementing and Interpreting/ Concluding and Evaluating. The best marks in each skill will go forward to the moderator.

Special requirements/other information
You will need a minimum of a “B” grade in Double Science and Mathematics. Your teachers will be Ms. Lecky, Mr. Higginson and Ms Parish. Students often choose Chemistry together with their study of Physics, Biology and/or Mathematics. Chemistry is essential for entry to any medical or biological related course/career. Indeed, we have had many students who are now successful doctors and dentists, as well as those who have gained degrees in pure chemistry and related subjects.

Contact: Mr Higginson, Ms Lecky

Unit Module Title - Exam structure AS/A2
The title of the six modules and when they are examined are as follows: -

2811 Foundation Chemistry - 90 marks, compulsory short answer questions AS and questions requiring a longer answer.

2812 Chains and Rings - 90 marks, compulsory short answer questions AS and questionsrequiring a longer answer.

2813/1 How Far, How Fast? - 90 marks, compulsory short answer questions AS and questions requiring a longer answer.

2813/2 Coursework Assessment of 4 practical skills (internally assessed) AS.

2814 Chains, Rings and Spectroscopy - 90 marks, compulsory short answer questions A2 and questions requiring a longer answer.

2815/1 Trends and patterns - 45 marks, compulsory short answer questions A2 and questions requiring a longer answer.

2815/2 Biochemistry - 45 marks, compulsory short answer questions A2 and questions requiring a longer answer.

2816/1 Synoptic paper 60 marks, compulsory short answer questions A2 and questions requiring a longer answer.

2816/2 Coursework Assessment of 4 practical skills A2 (internally assessed).