Subject Content: AS Level Fundamentals (Papers 1, 2, and 3)
The AS Level covers core concepts across physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry, forming the knowledge foundation.
Physical Chemistry
**Stoichiometry** (moles, reacting masses), **bonding** (ionic, covalent, metallic), states of matter, **energetics** (Hess’s Law), **electrochemistry** (redox), **equilibria** ($K_c$), and **kinetics** (catalysis).
Inorganic Chemistry
**Periodic Table** (periodicity), **Group 2** (alkaline earth metals) and **Group 17** (halogens) trends and reactions, and environmental aspects of **nitrogen and sulfur**.
Organic Chemistry
Introduction (functional groups, **isomerism**), **hydrocarbons** (alkanes/alkenes), **halogen compounds, alcohols, esters, carbonyl compounds**, and basic **polymerization**.
A Level Content: Advanced Topics (Papers 4 and 5)
The A Level expands on AS concepts with advanced theory, specialized topics, and analytical techniques.
Advanced Physical Chemistry
**Lattice energy** and **entropy** in energetics, **standard electrode potentials**, **partition coefficients**, **pH**, **rate equations**, orders of reaction, and mechanisms.
Advanced Inorganic & Organic Chemistry
Properties and reactions of **transition elements**. Advanced organic topics, **stereoisomerism**, and complex organic synthesis.
Analytical Techniques
Application and interpretation of modern **analytical techniques**, including **chromatography** and **spectroscopy** (e.g., NMR).
Skill Development Focus
The course emphasizes the development of advanced scientific and transferable skills.
Problem-Solving & Data Handling
Applying knowledge to **novel situations**, solving complex problems, and **organizing/interpreting experimental and theoretical data**.
Experimental & Critical Thinking
**Planning experiments** safely, evaluating evidence, drawing informed conclusions, and recognizing limitations of scientific models.
Communication
Presenting scientific information clearly and logically using appropriate chemical terminology and notation.
Assessment Structure
Assessment for the full A Level involves five papers, with a subset (P1, P2, P3) required for the AS Level qualification.
- **Paper 1 (MCQ):** 1 hr 15 mins | 31% AS Mark.
- **Paper 2 (Structured):** 1 hr 15 mins | 46% AS Mark.
- **Paper 3 (Practical):** 2 hours (2–3 experiments) | 23% AS Mark.
- **Paper 4 (Structured):** 2 hours | 38.5% A Level Mark (Assumes AS knowledge).
- **Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis, Evaluation):** 1 hr 15 mins | 11.5% A Level Mark (Context may be outside syllabus).
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