A-level Chemistry

Develop a stronger understanding of the world and prepare yourself for a fascinating career in industries such as medicine, chemical engineering or dentistry.

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  • Overview
  • What you'll learn
  • Extra info
  • FAQs

Are you ready to change your world?

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Overview

The world around us is filled with materials that have been discovered, developed and tested by chemists: medicines, foods, fuels, plastics, fertilisers and fabrics. This AQA A-level Chemistry course will teach you to see the world differently.

In this fascinating A-level Chemistry course, you'll arm yourself with skills needed for a competitive job market, including data analysis and evaluation, creative thinking and problem-solving. It's a perfect choice for anyone considering a career in health and clinical professions, teaching and research, or wishing to study a science subject at university. 

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Structure of the atom and bonding

In this unit of A-level Chemistry, you’ll build an understanding of how the model of atomic structure has evolved over time, along with the ways in which advances in science and technology have provided evidence for these models.

Unit 2 - Chemical reactions and calculations

Next, you’ll learn the definitions of key terms such as relative atomic mass and relative molecular mass, as well as build an understanding of why the mole is a useful quantity to use in chemistry when measuring out amounts of substances.

Unit 3 - Rate of reaction and energy changes in chemical reactions

In unit three, you’ll learn about collision theory and how to use this to explain the ways in which changes in conditions, such as temperature and pressure, can affect the speed of a chemical reaction. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of practical techniques used to investigate the effect of temperature changes on the rate of reaction.

Unit 4 - Chemical reactions in equilibria

Moving on, you’ll study the factors which influence how far a reaction will proceed. You’ll learn how Le Chatelier’s principle can be used to predict the effects of changes in temperature, pressure and concentration on the position of equilibrium and the yield of a reversible reaction. You will also consider the importance of this to the industry.

Unit 5 - Redox reactions and electrochemical cells

Next in this A-level Chemistry online course, you’ll cover the changes that occur during redox reactions as electrons are transferred from the reducing agent to the oxidising agent, as well as how to use changes in the oxidation state of an element to deduce whether oxidation or reduction has occurred. Finally, you will learn how to construct half-equations for the oxidation and reduction processed and how to combine these to produce an overall equation for any redox reaction.

Unit 6 - Inorganic chemistry

Moving on, you’ll discover how elements are classified according to their position in the periodic table, develop an understanding of the trends in atomic radius and how to explain these trends in terms of atomic structure. Finally, you’ll learn how to explain the melting points of the elements in period three in terms of the structure and bonding present in each element.

Unit 7 - Organic chemistry part one

In unit seven of this Chemistry A-level course, you’ll be introduced to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system for naming organic compounds and learn about the different ways in which the structure or formula of these compounds can be represented. You’ll also discover how to explain the reactions of organic compounds and learn the correct convention for outlining these mechanisms and representing the movement of electrons during the reactions. Finally, you will learn about some of the different types of isomerism and how the isomers can be represented and explained.

Unit 8 - Organic chemistry part two

In the final unit of your A-level Chemistry course, you’ll take a look at optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives and aromatic chemistry. Moving on, you’ll study amines and polymers, amino acids, organic synthesis, chromatography and more.

Extra info

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Awarding Body

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AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries around the world, highly valued by employers and universities and enable young people to progress to the next stage of their lives. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.

Recognised through UCAS

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This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to University courses and other Higher Education, through the UCAS system.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this A-level Chemistry distance learning UK course, you will receive the qualification: A-level Chemistry, issued by AQA. Your certificate is identical to those issued to students at any other school, college or university.

Entry requirements

GCSE Science (double award) or GCSE Chemistry (minimum grade 4 – the equivalent to a grade C) and GCSE Maths or equivalent are recommended for this Chemistry A-level course. It is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for A-level Chemistry examinations for Summer 2024.

You'll be required to complete three standard AQA A-level Chemistry written exams:

  • Paper 1: 2 hours, 35% of A-level, 105 marks.
  • Paper 2: 2 hours, 35% of A-level, 105 marks.
  • Paper 3: 2 hours, 30% of A-level, 90 marks.

These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions.

FAQs

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How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them – find out more.

Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you’re not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date – all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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Can you provide a reference for my UCAS application?

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

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Can I get predicted grades for my UCAS application?

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments – this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

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Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you’ll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule.

Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

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Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don’t worry – everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

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Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.

Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it’s important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low – there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps…

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What can I do with my A-levels?

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you’re not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

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Can I study this AQA A-level course if I do not live in England?

Yes! All of our learning is online, however, you will need to sit your exams in England. Find out more about exams.

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Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn’t one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

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Why study an online A-level course from home?

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

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How long does it take to study an A-level?

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

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What A-Level courses should I take?

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree.

If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the Russell Group universities. These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages.

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on How to Choose A-Levels.

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How many UCAS points is an A-level course?

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:

  • A* – 56
  • A – 48
  • B – 40
  • C – 32
  • D – 24
  • E – 16
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What are A-Levels?

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work.

A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

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Why study AQA A-level Chemistry online?

This distance learning course follows the AQA A-level Chemistry syllabus and has been designed specifically to be studied online, in your own time, at your own pace. You’ll have unlimited tutor support, a clear induction and well-structured assignments to help you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for the exam.

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What will I learn in this A-level Chemistry course?

In this A-level Chemistry online course, you will learn about scientific discoveries, methodologies and how the field of chemistry changes with new discoveries and techniques. You will also learn about reactions, calculations, inorganic and organic matter and much more.

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