Examining Board - OCR
Chemistry is the study of the properties and reactions of substances. It is a science subject, so practical work is an important element.
With a qualification in Chemistry you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Chemistry or one of the other sciences or related subjects, such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science or Chemical Engineering, or work in science-based industry, the medical field or agriculture.
The Salters Advanced Chemistry course is divided into a number of themes.Each theme is supported by materials for both students and teachers. There are three parts:
- a Storyline provides the settings within which the chemistry and skills are developed
- the Chemical Ideas provide the underlying chemical principles
- Activities provide practical work as well as many other types of activities, including research exercises, group discussions, applications of IT, etc.
Your work will revolve around the Chemical Storylines and when new concepts are introduced you will be referred to the Chemical Ideas and Activities. Lesson time is used largely to discuss and explain new concepts and to develop experimental techniques. Therefore you need to be prepared to read material in advance of lessons and prepare /plan experiments. This will form an ongoing part of your homework
Your written work will consist of answering questions in the form of assignments, problems and past exam papers and writing up practicals and other activities.
At AS level you will be examined on five of these themes divided into 3 modules
Module 2850 Chemistry for Life:
The Elements of Life is a study of the elements in the human body, the solar system and the universe. It is designed to provide a bridge from GCSE and you will learn about atomic and nuclear structure, chemical calculations, the development of the Periodic Table, Group 2 chemistry and chemical bonding.
Developing Fuels is a study of fuels and the contribution that chemists make to the development of better fuels. Through this you will learn about thermochemistry, homologous series and alkanes, isomerism and catalysis.
Module 2848 Chemistry of Natural Resources:
From Minerals to Elements is a study of the extraction and uses of two elements, bromine and copper. You will learn about halogen chemistry and the major classes of chemical reactions: acid-base, redox and precipitation.
The Atmosphere is a study of two important chemical processes, the depletion of ozone in the upper atmosphere and the greenhouse effect in the lower atmosphere. In this setting you will learn about the interaction of radiation and matter, radicals, rates of reaction, organic halogen compounds and chemical equilibrium.
The Polymer Revolution tells the story of the development of addition polymers, many of which were the result of 'accidental' discoveries. You will learn about alkenes and intermolecular forces.
Module 2852 Skills for Chemistry
This is a coursework module in which you will build up basic chemical skills in communication and practical and investigative work. There are two components to the assessment of this module:
2852/1 The Open-Book Paper
This is a written paper taken over a two week period. You will be supplied with two related scientific articles on a topic of current interest. You have to research the topic and produce a 1000-word report addressing the issues on the question paper, together with a 50-word summary of your report.
2852/2 Experimental Skills
Four practical skill areas are assessed though a range of activities.
At A2 level you will study further themes and take three more modules Including
- Module 2849 – Chemistry of Materials
This module contains work on Whats in a medicine? Designer polymers, Engineering Proteins and the Steel Story
- Module 2854 – Chemistry by Design
This module contains work on Aspects of Agriculture, Colour by Design, The Oceans and Medicines by Design. This module also has synoptic content and assesses knowledge of the chemical industry.
- Module 2855 – Individual Investigation
You will choose a topic or area of study that interests you and then plan and carry out an extended practical investigation of that topic.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A genuine interest in chemistry with usually grade B’s in Science or a B in Chemistry at GCSE. Students may be allowed on to the course with C grades following discussion with College staff and the Head of Chemistry
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