OCR A Level Chemistry
Course Title A Level Chemistry (Specification A)
Examining Body OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA)
Course Duration 2 Years
Overview of the Course A Level Chemistry explores the fundamental building blocks of matter and the reactions that shape our world. This content-led course balances theoretical understanding with advanced practical work. You will investigate everything from the sub-atomic structure of atoms to the synthesis of complex organic molecules, developing strong problem-solving and analytical skills along the way.
How the Course is Examined Assessment is linear, with three exams at the end of Year 13.
- Paper 1: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (37% of total A Level) – Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes) covering modules 1, 2, 3, and 5.
- Paper 2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (37% of total A Level) – Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes) covering modules 1, 2, 4, and 6.
- Paper 3: Unified Chemistry (26% of total A Level) – Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) covering content from all modules (1–6).
- Practical Endorsement in Chemistry: A separate non-exam assessment of practical skills demonstrated in laboratory work throughout the two years.
Further Information The specification is split into six modules:
- Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry.
- Module 2: Foundations in chemistry (atoms, bonding, amount of substance, acid-base reactions).
- Module 3: Periodic table and energy (periodicity, group 2 & 7, enthalpy, reaction rates).
- Module 4: Core organic chemistry (hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic synthesis, IR spectroscopy).
- Module 5: Physical chemistry and transition elements (rates, pH, buffers, entropy, transition metals).
- Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis (aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids, polymers, NMR spectroscopy).
Where the Qualification Can Lead To Chemistry is essential for many scientific disciplines and is highly valued by employers for its analytical rigour.
- University: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Dentistry, Geology, and Forensic Science.
- Careers: Analytical Chemist, Clinical Scientist, Chemical Engineer, Toxicologist, Pharmacologist, and roles in Law or Finance due to analytical skills.