Chemistry is both a rewarding and challenging subject to study, especially at A level. It is also seen as an incredibly valuable A level by university admissions officers across the country.
Studying such a demanding A level should not be taken lightly. Cracking the code of A level Chemistry requires solid skills in analysis, communication, maths, revision, and exam preparation.
Ready to claim your A-A* in A level Chemistry? Elevate your understanding of A-Level Chemistry with The Profs’ expert tutors, and pave the way for academic success and future career opportunities.
Whether you’re a student looking to improve your grades or you’re a parent seeking guidance for your child, this article provides the recipe for success. Let’s break down the following:
Content:
- What to expect: Understanding the A level Chemistry curriculum
- Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Chemistry?
- Is A level Chemistry harder than GCSE Chemistry?
- Understanding the A level Chemistry exam format
- What are the fundamental concepts of A level Chemistry?
- Identifying your strengths and weaknesses
- Develop your laboratory experience
- Brush up on your math
- Complete past papers to boost your grades
- Make use of visual aids to improve your memory
- Teach what you’ve learned
- Benefit from our expert guidance in A level Chemistry
- FAQs
What to expect: Understanding the A level Chemistry curriculum
If you’d like to achieve the best grades possible, you should learn your A level syllabus inside and out. Syllabuses can vary across exam boards, as listed below:
| Exam Board | Curriculum |
| AQA | A level: Physical Chemistry
Inorganic chemistry
Organic chemistry
|
| Pearson Edexcel | AS level: Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
A2 level: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry
General Practical Principles in Chemistry
|
| OCR | A level Chemistry A AS level papers:
A level paper 1 (Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry):
A level paper 2 (Synthesis and Analytical Techniques):
A level paper 3 (Unified Chemistry):
A level Chemistry B (Salters) AS level papers:
A level papers:
|
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Understanding the A level Chemistry exam format
Take a look at the table below for detailed information on the exam papers for each exam board:
| Exam Board | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
| AQA | AS level: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes worth 80 marks. A level: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. 2 hours worth 105 marks. | AS level: Organic and Physical Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes worth 80 marks. A level: Organic and Physical Chemistry. 2 hours worth 105 marks. | A level: Content from Papers 1 and 2. 2 hours worth 90 marks. |
| Pearson Edexcel | AS level: Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes worth 80 marks. A level: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. 1 hour 45 minutes worth 90 marks. | AS level: Core Organic and Physical Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes worth 80 marks. A level: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry. 1 hour 45 minutes worth 90 marks. | A level: General Practical Principles in Chemistry. 2 hours 30 minutes worth 120 marks. |
| OCR (A) | AS level: Breadth in Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes worth 70 marks. A level: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry. 2 hours 15 minutes worth 100 marks. | AS level: Depth in Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes worth 70 marks. A level: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques. 2 hours 15 minutes worth 100 marks. | A level: Unified Chemistry (Content from Papers 1 and 2). 1 hour 30 minutes worth 70 marks. |
| OCR (B – Salters) | AS level: Foundations of Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes with 72 marks. A level: Fundamentals of Chemistry. 2 hours worth 96 marks. | AS level: Chemistry in Depth. 1 hour 30 minutes with 72 marks. A level: Scientific Literature in Chemistry. 2 hours worth 96 marks. | A level: Practical Skills in Chemistry. 1 hour 30 minutes worth 60 marks. |
The information below applies to all the above exam boards:
- Regardless of your exam board, you only take 2 papers if you commit to doing an AS level in Chemistry, which you take at the end of Year 12. Both of these papers will account for 50% of the AS level.
- If you decide to do the full A level, you instead take 3 papers at the end of Year 13. Roughly 25% of your final mark comes from Paper 3, whilst the remaining marks come from Papers 1 and 2 which have an approximate weighting of 37% each.
- For AQA, you have the option to complete a practical endorsement, which is required for the majority of university applications. However, you will still earn your A level without completing this component of the course. Do make sure to double-check the practical endorsement if necessary for your chosen degrees. Also, note that a lot of science courses at prestigious universities stipulate that candidates must have passed the practical side of their Chemistry A level.
- OCR is special in that it offers 2 types of A level Chemistry; Chemistry A is topic-based whereas Chemistry B (Salters) offers a context-lead approach to learning. Both of these qualifications are seen as equally valuable.
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Is A level Chemistry harder or easier than GCSE Chemistry?
In comparison to GCSEs, many students find A levels to be much more difficult, and unfortunately, A level Chemistry is no exception. Whilst GCSE Chemistry builds on the foundation of the subject, A level is much more rigorous.
Most top candidates study Chemistry within and beyond their curriculum as much as possible. If you do this, it will consolidate what you learned at GCSE whilst also helping you to become better prepared for A level questions. Many students find the jump between GCSEs and A levels challenging; the best way to combat this is exposure.
Also, make sure that you are consistent in your studies. It’s much better to do a little bit every day than study a vast amount in one day and then not at all for the next few days. Doing this increases your long-term memory and gives you time to contextualise challenging concepts. This simple strategy will be instrumental in earning you a top grade in A level Chemistry.
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Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Chemistry?
It is important to note that each exam board has its own marking criteria. So, achieving top grades is not easier through one exam board than another.
Below are the grade boundaries for A level Chemistry (2023 Summer exam season).
AS level:
| Exam Board | A |
| AQA | 121 |
| Pearson Edexcel | 99 |
| OCR (A) | 108 |
| OCR (B – Salters) | 91 |
A level:
| Exam Board | A | A* |
| AQA | 210 | 250 |
| Pearson Edexcel | 195 | 241 |
| OCR (A) | 198 | 234 |
| OCR (B – Salters) | 177 | 211 |
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What are the fundamental concepts of A level Chemistry?
Chemistry is generally divided into 3 main areas of study: physical, organic, and inorganic. Physical chemistry pertains to the numerical techniques that might be used to investigate states of equilibrium for chemical reactions, calculate quantities such as percentage yield, construct spectroscopic analysis, or even describe thermodynamic pathways in chains of reactions.
As an alternative, organic chemistry focuses on the chemical reactions relating to molecules containing hydrogen and carbon. This leads to some very interesting theories surrounding the chemistry behind particular functional groups, such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and ketones. The absence of these carbons and hydrogens instead leads us to inorganic chemistry, which at A level is a much smaller topic to cover than the others.
To get an A or A*, you must make sure you are proficient in all of these areas. This will require a revision timetable that is easy to follow and should be put together following your strengths and weaknesses.
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Identifying your strengths and weaknesses
Students will only have so much time to revise for their exams, and that time must be used wisely. A great way to be productive with this is to go over your A level syllabus and use the traffic light system to identify what you believe your strengths and weaknesses are. This involves going through your syllabus and highlighting topics you are very confident about in green, those that you feel neutral towards in amber, and finally, red for topics you have little to no confidence in.
This process proves itself to be very good at prioritising what you revise first and in what order, starting with your weakest topics. Make sure that you cover the relevant theory before jumping into exam questions when working through these, ideally using a revision guide rather than a textbook. Also, ensure that what you are working with completely matches your exam specifications.
Develop your laboratory experience
In any A level Chemistry course, having an understanding of how to conduct accurate and precise experiments is crucial for success.
The best way to improve is through experience, so it’s a good idea to get this wherever you can. This can include taking part in regular science club activities at school or even making use of a virtual lab from home (some software can be found online for free including LabXchange, PhET, and ChemCollective).
It’s also a good idea to read over the specification for your A level, as it will include a list of standard experiments you need to be aware of if you are hoping to complete your practical assessment.
As you will be expected to answer questions on standard experiments, it’s a good idea to be as familiar with them as possible. You may even want to watch a few YouTube videos to follow along with some guided demonstrations.
Brush up on your maths
Many topics within chemistry heavily depend on GCSE Maths and beyond, which is why many students decide to study both of these subjects together.
If you’re not studying A level Maths, then make sure you regularly practice algebra problems. There are also some more advanced topics such as logarithms that are needed to understand pH and pOH, so it won’t be as simple as just remembering and applying your GCSE Maths knowledge.
What math ise most relevant to you is entirely dependent on the questions you wind up working on. So, use your practice questions for A level Chemistry as a guide for the maths you need to know. Keep up with practice questions to condition your brain for solving Chemistry problems with maths involved.
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Complete past papers to boost your grades
Overall, completing past papers is a valuable study technique that can help you prepare effectively for exams and increase your chances of success. Even if some of the questions are challenging, it’s best to start doing this sooner rather than later, as you need to develop an intuition for how long you should be spending on each question, and in what order you should complete them.
This method of exam preparation is even more effective when you time your past paper attempts. Even if you do not complete the paper, you must stop when your time runs out. This helps to set manageable expectations of what completing your exams under time constraints might feel like.
You also want to make sure you read and understand questions properly before attempting a question. This may involve underlining keywords and phrases. Action words, such as ‘calculate’ or ‘justify’, also give a clue as to what kind of answer should be provided. For instance, if a question begins with the word ‘calculate’ you are more likely to use a mathematical formula as part of a derivation than write a wordy paragraph or two.
Finally, make sure to mark every single attempt you make. By being familiar with a paper’s mark scheme, you will be able to further develop your intuition for answering questions, and see how marks are allocated. This is particularly helpful for the small essay questions that are asked to describe applications of chemistry to real-world scenarios. Use this as an opportunity to provide yourself with constructive criticism, and use that as a drive to fill any further blanks in your understanding of the material.
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Make use of visual aids to improve your memory
Flashcards are an excellent method for swiftly reviewing essential facts and information pertinent to the A level Chemistry curriculum. You can craft your own flashcards by jotting down key concepts, facts, and equations, or utilise online resources like Quizlet. Flashcards prove effective in learning and memorising critical information rapidly, making them an ideal tool for revision. When crafting your flashcards, ensure to incorporate both the question and the answer on each card. This aids in quick and easy information retention.
It’s also crucial to include any relevant symbols or equations about the topic, facilitating swift review during revision. Utilising online platforms such as Quizlet can further enhance your revision for A level Chemistry syllabus and exams. These platforms allow you to generate virtual flashcards featuring various question types and answers. Additionally, Quizlet enables you to share your flashcards with fellow students studying the same topics, fostering collaborative learning. Flashcards prove to be an effective and efficient method of revising for your A level Chemistry syllabus and exams. With the right approach, they facilitate swift recollection of key facts and concepts, aiding in achieving optimal results in your studies.
Mind maps offer an excellent means of structuring information and establishing connections between different topics. Breaking down complex subjects into smaller components through mind mapping simplifies review and aids in retention. Moreover, it facilitates understanding the relationships between various concepts and their interconnections. You can construct mind maps using traditional pen and paper or utilise online platforms such as Coggle. Mind maps typically comprise circles or boxes linked by lines.
Each box or circle denotes a keyword or concept, with lines drawn to connect related ideas and additional details incorporated in smaller boxes or circles surrounding the main idea. This method creates a visual representation of the topic, enhancing retention. When crafting a mind map for your A level Chemistry syllabus, begin by listing the primary topics requiring coverage.
Subsequently, integrate important facts or equations necessitating memorisation. Once the mind map is established, commence adding notes, diagrams, and supplementary information related to each topic. This aids in better comprehension and facilitates retention. Mind maps also serve as effective revision aids.
They enable swift review of syllabus topics before exams or serve as reminders of crucial facts or equations that may have slipped from memory. By dissecting intricate subjects into manageable components, mind maps streamline revision, rendering it more efficient and effective.
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Teach what you’ve learned
Register to tutor Chemistry to your peers or conduct revision sessions. If not, consider approaching a friend or family member to teach them specific theories and concepts.
Even if your grasp of a topic is not completely thorough, attempting to explain it to someone can significantly aid your comprehension of its workings. Teaching others helps solidify your understanding of concepts. If you can explain concepts effectively, you possess sufficient understanding to apply them successfully!
Make sure to take regular breaks between your study periods! Other than to consolidate your knowledge, your mental health comes above all else, so make sure you also eat, drink and sleep in healthy amounts.
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Our experienced Chemistry tutors offer methods for improvement by breaking down complex concepts and providing exam strategies. They also offer a deeper understanding of maths by providing additional learning materials and offering immediate feedback. Moreover, the majority of our tutors possess postgraduate qualifications and, on average, over 1o years of teaching experience.
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FAQs
Why should you study A level Chemistry?
A Level Chemistry offers many benefits, from expanding your understanding of the world to preparing you for rewarding careers and personal development. Whether your interests lie in science, technology, medicine, or beyond, A level Chemistry equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed and make meaningful contributions to society.
How hard is A level Chemistry?
A level Chemistry is without a doubt a challenging subject due to its depth and breadth of content, complexity of concepts, mathematical rigour, and practical laboratory work. Alongside a series of written exams at the end of your time at secondary school, you will be awarded an overall grade where A and A* are the very best grades you can possibly achieve. Many universities ask for the completion of this A level to enter very intensive undergraduate degrees such as Pharmacology or Medicine.
Despite its difficulty, A level Chemistry can be highly rewarding for students who have a passion for the subject and are willing to put in the effort to understand its concepts thoroughly. With effective study strategies, support from teachers or our Chemistry tutors, and dedication, students can overcome the challenges of A level Chemistry and achieve success in their exams. Why not get in touch with The Profs to maximise your learning today?
Where can A level Chemistry take you?
A level Chemistry can open up various pathways and opportunities, depending on your interests and career aspirations. Here are a few potential directions:
- Further Education: A level Chemistry provides a solid foundation for pursuing higher education in chemistry-related fields such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, or Environmental Science.
- Scientific Research: A level Chemistry can lead to a career in scientific research, whether in academia, industry, or government institutions. This could involve conducting experiments, analysing data, and contributing to advancements in chemistry and related fields.
- Healthcare Professions: With A level Chemistry, you may pursue careers in healthcare, such as becoming a pharmacist, doctor, dentist, or biomedical scientist. These professions often require a strong understanding of chemistry principles.
- Industry: A level Chemistry can prepare you for roles in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food and beverage, cosmetics, and materials science. These industries rely on chemists for research, development, quality control, and production.
- Teaching: A level Chemistry can lead to a career in teaching chemistry at secondary school or beyond. Educators play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and promoting scientific literacy.
- Environmental and Sustainability Roles: With growing concerns about the environment and sustainability, there is an increasing demand for professionals with expertise in chemistry to address issues such as pollution, renewable energy, and green technologies.
Ultimately, A level Chemistry equips you with valuable analytical, problem-solving, and laboratory skills that are highly sought after across various sectors. Where it takes you depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals.
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Can you self-study A level Chemistry?
Yes, it is possible to self-study A level Chemistry, but it can be challenging. A level subjects are typically designed to be taught over two years in a structured classroom environment, with guidance from teachers and access to laboratory facilities for practical work. However, if you are motivated, disciplined, and have access to appropriate resources, self-studying A level Chemistry is feasible.
Can you do an A level in Chemistry in 1 year?
Mainstream secondary schools will normally not offer this as an option, with the exception that you have an exceptional aptitude for the subject. However, many institutions for adult learners offer accelerated courses for A levels, which you can complete in one year. You have the option to either study such a course through online classes, or you can still attend classes in person. Regardless of what your circumstances are, studying A level Chemistry in one year can be achieved through careful planning, and a commitment to the schedule you set yourself.
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