AS-Level Chemistry – Term 2

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 GCSE-level Chemistry has already been achieved. It can be a stand-alone qualification or can be taken as the first of two years of the PX Classroom A-Level Chemistry course.

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 AS-Level student book which must be purchased in advance (2nd edition; ISBN 9780198351818). 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 2 begins with Inorganic Chemistry and Periodicity, taking Period 2, and Groups 2 & 7 as case studies for God’s perfect order in His design of the elements. This is followed by an introduction to Organic Chemistry, the largest research area in modern Synthetic Chemistry, and the basis for understanding God’s design in the chemistry of life. The perfection of the element carbon, its fundamental role in Organic Chemistry, and how this constitutes evidence for special creation, is discussed.

Term 2 comprises 26 lessons (two per week for 13 weeks). Each lesson lasts 1hr 30 minutes.

This PX Classroom is held on Tuesdays at 2pm and Wednesdays at 11am (London time zone), starting from Tuesday, 7th January 2025. There will be no lessons during the half-term week which commences 10th February. The last lessons are due to be on 8th and 9th April 2025.