Chemistry

(EL) Elements of Life

A study of elements and compounds in the universe, the solar system and the human body.

The chemical ideas in this module are:

atomic structure; radioactivity: fission and fusion; chemical equations and amount of substance; the Periodic Table and Group 2 chemistry; bonding and the shapes of molecules

(DF) Developing Fuels

A study of fuels and the contribution that chemists make to the development of better fuels.

The chemical ideas in this module are: thermochemistry; organic chemistry: alkanes, structural isomers; introduction to entropy; dealing with polluting exhaust emissions.

(ES) Elements from the Sea

A study of the extraction of halogens from minerals in the sea together with a study of the properties and uses of Group 7 elements and their compounds.

The chemical ideas in this teaching module are: halogen chemistry; redox chemistry; Periodic Table - electron configurations and periodicity of ionisation enthalpy; intermolecular dipole bonds; halogenoalkane chemistry; industrial chemistry.

(A) The Atmosphere

A study of important chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere - the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect.

The chemical ideas in this module are:

giant covalent structures; rates of reaction; chemical equilibrium; radical reactions; the electromagnetic spectrum and the interaction of radiation with matter

(PR) The Polymer Revolution

A study of the development of addition polymers.

The chemical ideas in this module are:

hydrogen bonding; alkene reactions; addition polymerisation; E/Z isomerism (related to cis-trans); alcohol reactions; infrared spectra

(WM) 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.

The chemical ideas in this module are:

• phenols, carboxylic acids, esters, carbonyl compounds
• acid-base reactions
• medicine manufacture and testing
• IR spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy

(MR) The Materials Revolution

A study of condensation polymers and other modern materials.

The chemical ideas in this module are:

• condensation polymers
• amines and amides
• factors affecting the properties of polymers
• disposal of polymers

(TL) The Thread of Life

A study of proteins and enzymes. DNA and its use in synthesising proteins.

The chemical ideas in this module are: rates of reaction; enzyme catalysis; optical isomerism; amino acid and protein chemistry; the structure and function of DNA.

(SS) The Steel Story

An account of the production, properties and uses of steel, with reference to other metals.

The chemical ideas in this module are: redox reactions; electrode potentials; d-block chemistry; colorimetry

(AI) Agriculture and Industry

A study of how chemists use industrial processes to benefit mankind and how they contribute towards a safe and efficient food supply.

The chemical ideas in this module are: an overview of structure and bonding, including shapes of molecules; equilibrium and equilibrium constant; an overview of the effects of factors on the rate and equilibrium yields of reactions, leading to a consideration of the best conditions for an industrial process; aspects of nitrogen chemistry, including the nitrogen cycle; an overview of redox reactions; a discussion.

(CD) Colour by Design

A study of the chemical basis of colour in pigments, paints and the use of chemistry to provide colours to order. The chemical ideas in this module are: the chemical origins of colour in transition metal compounds and organic compounds; aromatic compounds; analysing pigments.

(O) The Oceans

A study of the role of the oceans in cycling chemicals, including salts and carbon dioxide, and maintaining pH, i.e. the importance of the oceans to life on Earth.

The chemical ideas in this module are: dissolving; acid-base equilibria and pH; entropy; disposing of carbon dioxide.

(MD) Medicines by Design

An account of the way chemical principles and techniques are used to investigate the effect of chemicals on the body, and to design and make pharmaceutical substances to meet specific needs.

The chemical ideas in this module are: molecular recognition; computer modelling and design of drugs; synthesis of organic molecules; NMR spectroscopy; using spectroscopic techniques to elucidate structure

F331: Chemistry for Life

• Elements of Life
• Developing Fuels

1 hour 15 mins written exam
AS - 30%
A Level - 15%

F332: Chemistry of Natural Resources

• Elements from the Sea
• The Atmosphere
• Polymer Revolution.

1 hour 45 mins written exam
AS - 50% / A Level - 25%

F333: Chemistry in Practice

AS internal assessment.
Internal assessment
AS - 20%

F334: Chemistry of Materials

• What's in a Medicine?
• The Materials Revolution
• The Thread of Life
• The Steel Story

1 hour 30 mins written exam
A Level - 15%

F335: Chemistry by Design

• Agriculture and Industry
• Colour by Design
• The Oceans
• Medicines by Design.

2 hour written exam
A Level - 20%

F336: Chemistry Individual Investigation

A2 internal assessment.
Internal assessment
A Level - 15%