A2-Level Chemistry – Term 1

Course Overview

This course covers the content for the AQA and Edexcel International Specifications in Chemistry. It is a one-year course and assumes that AS-level Chemistry has already been achieved.

At AS-Level, the assessment of practical skills is by written exams only. At A2-Level a separate practical endorsement can be taken. This is advisable if the student wishes to study science at university.

Course Method

Class notes are distributed in advance and are filled in during the class.

Homework is set from the current AQA Chemistry A2-Level student book which must be purchased in advance (2nd edition; ISBN 9780198357711). Homework is self-marked. Tests compiled from past exam papers are set on completion of each topic and are marked by the teacher.

Lessons are interactive, focusing on achieving excellent understanding of the content, developing good scientific methodology, and developing the critical and analytical thinking skills necessary for further study in Chemistry.

All practical work is taught by the use of videos. A video recording is made of each lesson (with only the teacher visible) and upon request it can be made temporarily available to a student who missed the lesson.

Course Details

Term 1 continues the study of Physical Chemistry. Students will be introduced to the concept of feasibility of reactions and entropy, which has important implications for understanding some of the problems thermodynamics poses for abiogenesis. The study of kinetics and its application to reaction mechanism, more complex equilibria calculations (including acid-base equilibria), and electrochemistry complete the physical component of A-level Chemistry. Inorganic Chemistry continues with a study of the transition elements, and reference will be made to the perfection of their design in the chemistry of life.

Term 1 comprises 28 lessons (two per week for 14 weeks). Each lesson lasts 1hr 30 minutes.

This PX Classroom is held on Tuesdays at 8.30am and Wednesdays at 9am (London time zone), starting from Tuesday, 3rd September 2024. There will be no lessons during the half-term week which commences 28th October. The last lessons are due to be on 10th and 11th December 2024.