Information and Entry Requirements
You will need 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including GCSE Science and Mathematics at Grade C (or above) and English (preferably at C or above), or equivalent qualifications at the appropriate level. You will also need to attend an interview at College.
How do I find out more information?
Please contact the Sixth Form Centre on 01527 572960.
How do I join the course?
Complete the application form on-line, from the prospectus or request a form from Reception at either Redditch or Bromsgrove campus (01527 570020).
How do I Apply?
Once you have decided which A Levels to do, you can apply by doing one of the following:
A Level
Chemistry
This course provides a sound foundation in chemistry through the study of fundamental chemical principles within a practical and contemporary setting.
Year 1 (AS Level)
Unit 1: Chemistry for Life
- Elements of Life: a study of elements and compounds in the universe, solar system and human body. Subjects covered: atomic structure, radioactivity, chemical equations and amounts of substance, the Periodic Table - Group 2 elements, molecular bonding and shape.
- Developing Fuels: a study of fuels and the contribution that chemists make to the development of better fuels. Subjects covered: thermochemistry, organic chemistry, alkanes, introduction to entropy and dealing with polluting exhaust emissions.
Unit 2: Chemistry of Natural Resources
- Elements from the Sea: a study of the extraction of halogens from minerals in the sea and a study of Group 7 elements and their reactivity. Subjects covered: halogens (Group 7), oxidation and reduction, electronic configurations, intermolecular dipoles, organic chemistry of halogens, industrial chemistry.
- The Atmosphere: a study of important chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere, the ozone layer and greenhouse effect. Subjects covered: giant covalent structures, reaction rates, equilibrium, radical reactions, the electromagnetic spectrum and the interaction of radiation with matter.
- Polymer Revolution: a study of the development of addition polymers. Subjects covered: hydrogen bonding, alkene reactions, addition polymerization, geometric isomerism, alcohol reactions, and infrared spectra.
Unit 3: Chemistry in Practice
This unit consists of a series of practical laboratory assignments designed to test the following skills: practical competence, the accurate measurement of data, the analysis and evaluation of results, qualitative observation of experiments, and the application of chemical knowledge and understanding to interpret and explain experiments.
Year 2 (A2 Level)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Materials
- What's in a Medicine: a study of medicines such as aspirin, their development, chemistry and synthesis, illustrating some of the features of the pharmaceutical industry. Subjects covered: phenols, carboxylic acids and related compounds, acid-base reactions, medicine manufacturing and testing, infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy.
- The Materials Revolution: a study of condensation polymers and other modern materials. Subjects covered: condensation polymers, amines and amides, factors affecting the properties of polymers.
- The Thread of Life: a study of proteins and enzymes, DNA and its use in synthesizing proteins. Subjects covered: reaction rates, enzyme catalysis, optical isomerism, amino acid and protein chemistry, the structure and function of DNA.
- The Steel Story: an account of the production, properties and uses of steel with reference to other metals. Subjects covered: oxidation and reduction, electrode potentials, Periodic Table - transition metals, colorimetry.
Unit 2: Chemistry by Design
- Agriculture and Industry: a study of how chemists use industrial processes to benefit making and how they contribute towards a safe and efficient food supply. Subjects covered: nitrogen chemistry and nitrogen cycle, reaction rates and equilibrium, a discussion on the costs of an industrial process, including hazards and effect on society.
- Colour by Design: a study of the chemical basis of colour, pigments, paints and the use of chemistry to provide colours to order. Subjects covered: chemical origins of colour, aromatic compounds, analyzing pigments and oils to restore paintings, dyes and dyeing.
- The Oceans: a study of the role the oceans play in cycling chemicals (salts and carbon dioxide) and maintaining pH. Subjects covered: dissolving substances, acid-base equilibrium and pH, entropy and disposal of carbon dioxide.
- Medicines by Design: an account of the way chemical principles and techniques are used to investigate the effect of chemicals in the body, and to design and make pharmaceutical substances to meet specific needs. Subjects covered: molecular recognition, design of drugs, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, identifying structure
Unit 3: Individual Investigation
This unit consists of practical laboratory investigation where the following skills will be assessed: chemical ideas and research, experimental methodology, observation and measurements, analysis and interpretation of results, evaluation of process.
Future Options
This course provides an excellent stepping stone if you wish to progress to Higher Education in the following areas: chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, physical science, materials science and forensic science.
