Overview
Chemistry touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way. How does ice float? Why do leaves change colour? Why is the sea salty? This subject answers all of these questions and many more! An interesting, challenging, and rewarding course, IGCSE Chemistry will develop your scientific skills and knowledge using logic and rational thinking.
The Chemistry IGCSE is a great choice if you're considering a career in the health and clinical professions such as medicine, veterinary science, nursing, dentistry, and forensic science. Alternatively, blending chemistry with other suitable GSCEs will be a stepping stone to studying at A-levels or university.
What you'll learn
In unit one, you’ll take a look at states of matter, as well as elements, compounds, and mixtures. You’ll delve into atomic structure, and familiarise yourself with the periodic table, before taking a look at electrolysis and various types of bonding such as metallic and ionic.
Moving on to the second unit, you’ll discover the properties of alkali metals such as lithium and sodium, before examining gases in the atmosphere, and learning how to determine the percentage of oxygen in the air. Next, you’ll find out how metals are extracted from compounds and take a look at acids and their reactions with different types of bases. Finally, you’ll discover chemical tests that can determine the presence of certain gases, anions, or water.
Unit three will begin by focusing on chemical energetics: you’ll take a look at endothermic and exothermic reactions and discover how to calculate energy and molar enthalpy changes. Next, you’ll explore rates of reaction, as well as reversible reactions and equilibria.
In unit four, we’ll begin with an introduction to organic chemistry, looking at molecules, functional groups, and the classification of reaction types. Next, you’ll study crude oil, examining how fractional distillation occurs, creating fuel and resulting in pollution. You’ll also examine the reactions of organic compounds such as alkanes, alkenes, and alcohols.
Extra info
Awarding Body
Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an IGCSE in Chemistry (1CH0), issued by Edexcel. This syllabus has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.
How is this course assessed or examined?
You can enrol now for examinations from Summer 2023.
You'll be required to complete two IGCSE standard written exams.
- Paper 1: Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of your IGCSE, 100 marks.
- Paper 2: Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of your IGCSE, 100 marks.
The exams contain a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.
During your course, you'll be required to complete various assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to monitor your progress.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this level two course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English
