AQA A-Level Chemistry – 7405
Course contact: Karen de Boer – Karendeboer@kba.uk
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?
Entry requirements
Triple - minimum Grade 7 Chemistry, minimum Grade 6 in other sciences
Combined - Minimum Grade 7-6
WHAT WILL I DO?
The AQA A-Level Chemistry course develops students' understanding of the structure, properties and reactions of substances, while building practical and analytical skills essential for higher education and scientific careers. The course combines theoretical knowledge with laboratory work, encouraging students to apply chemical principles to real-world contexts.
Practical work forms a significant part of the course, with students completing a series of required practical activities that develop experimental techniques, data analysis skills and safe working practices. These practical skills are assessed through written examinations and the Practical Endorsement.
The qualification is assessed through three written examinations at the end of Year 13 and provides excellent preparation for university courses and careers in chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, chemical engineering, environmental science, forensic science and related scientific fields.
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
A-Level Chemistry is suited to students who enjoy science, problem-solving and understanding how substances behave and interact. You should be prepared to develop your mathematical, analytical and practical skills, work carefully in the laboratory and apply scientific knowledge to unfamiliar situations.
COURSE CONTENT AND COMPONENTS
The course builds on the core ideas covered at GCSE and is divided into three main areas:
- Physical Chemistry: Atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics and acids and bases.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Periodicity, properties of elements and their compounds, and transition metals.
- Organic Chemistry: Organic compounds, reactions, functional groups, synthesis and analysis of organic substances.
Alongside the theory, students complete 12 required practical activities, developing laboratory techniques, experimental skills, data analysis and safe working practices.
Students will also be expected to complete 6–8 hours of independent study each week, as directed by their teachers. This will include pre-reading, consolidating learning from lessons and completing examination practice.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
The A-Level is assessed through three written examinations at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and relevant practical skills – 35%.
- Paper 2: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and relevant practical skills – 35%.
- Paper 3: Any content from the specification, including practical techniques and data analysis – 30%.
Students also complete the AQA Practical Endorsement, which is assessed separately by teachers throughout the course. Students who meet the required practical competency standards receive a Pass.
PROGRESSION – WHAT CAN I DO AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
A-Level Chemistry provides an excellent foundation for university study and careers in a wide range of scientific and related fields.
Possible degree courses include:
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Veterinary Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical Science
- Forensic Science
- Environmental Science
The analytical, mathematical and practical skills developed through the course are also valuable in many other areas of higher education and employment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Triple - minimum Grade 7 Chemistry, minimum Grade 6 in other sciences
Combined - Minimum Grade 7-6