Chemistry
Chemistry is the interface between the physical and life sciences, and at LMaS you’ll explore this in breadth and depth. Studying A Level Chemistry equips you to understand the building blocks of matter, the transformations they undergo, and the laws governing these processes. Through theoretical discussions, practical experiments, and analytical reasoning, you’ll better understand the world around you, and you’ll be ready to make predictions about what’s yet to be discovered. At LMaS you don’t just learn Chemistry, you live it: every experiment is a discovery, every reaction tells a story, and every challenge prepares you for the future.
If you want to ask and answer questions like
- How can we synthesise medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen?
- How do the spectra of stars tell us the elements they are made from?
- How do catalysts make industrial processes more efficient?
- What does Schrodinger’s equation tell us about quantum numbers?
- What is an atomic orbital?
- How do we quantify and control chemical reactions?
- What drives the chemistry of life in living organisms?
- How can chemistry help us to overcome the climate crisis and achieve net zero?
then A Level Chemistry is the right choice for you.
You will have many super-curricular opportunities in Chemistry, such as
- Cambridge Chemistry Race: you work collaboratively to solve demanding problems in a fast-paced competition at the University of Cambridge
- Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad: you tackle challenging questions to develop your knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
- Cambridge Chemistry Challenge: you hone your independent learning skills in this prestigious national competition.
You can also become an LMaSTEMtech, gaining hands-on experience by working as Junior Lab Technician in the prep room. You prepare and demonstrate experiments, including synthesising medicines and exploring advanced practical techniques.
Chemistry: the catalyst for your future success
Studying Chemistry will give you choices in a wide variety of career paths. Whether you’re interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry, in medicine and surgery, in environmental science, in materials development, or in chemical engineering, A level Chemistry will prepare you well. Many chemists go on to work in STEM, but some choose careers in different fields such as law or finance, where their problem-solving and analytical skills are highly valued.
Exam board
Key Topics
| Atomic Structure Amount of Substance Bonding and Structure Energetics Kinetics Chemical Equilibria and Le Chatelier’s Principle Group 2 and Group 7 Elements Introduction to Organic Chemistry (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes) | Thermodynamics Rate Equations Equilibrium Constants (Kc and Kp) Acids, Bases, and Buffers Transition Metals and Redox Equations Further Organic Chemistry (Aromatic Compounds, Polymers, Amines, DNA, and Proteins) Organic Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (NMR and Mass Spectrometry) |
You will also complete twelve required practicals across the Years 12 and 13, leading to your A level Chemistry Practical Endorsement certification.
Assessment
- Paper 1: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, 105 marks, 2-hour exam
- Paper 2: Physical and Organic Chemistry, 105 marks, 2-hour exam
- Paper 3: Synoptic and Practical Skills, 90 marks, 2-hour exam
“I like studying chemistry because I enjoy learning about and observing new chemical reactions. Chemistry develops reasoning skills to explain why reactions and processes happen. The practical aspect is fun and you learn to be articulate and explain why experiments are possible” Alfie.