Chemistry

Chemistry is essential to our modern society.

Apart from the fascination of understanding how things around (and inside) us work at the molecular level, chemistry affects every one of us, every day of our lives.

Some people regard chemistry as a dirty, non-green subject. They are quite wrong! The reality is that if you wish to do something about, for example, environmental pollution, a thorough understanding of chemistry is essential. Today’s chemists are at the forefront in helping to control, reduce and avoid pollution.

If you enjoy the interaction of atoms and molecules, along with the bangs, the colours, the smells, and making new substances then A Level Chemistry should appeal to you.

The course is demanding and complements subjects such as Biology, Physics, Maths and Geography. If you study A-level Chemistry then you should be able to ask “Why?” and get a good answer. You will learn how to explain chemical ideas with both words and mathematical concepts.

We are proud of the number of our students who go on to study Chemistry at university. A-level Chemistry is particularly important if you want to study Medicine, Veterinary Science or Biochemistry at university. It is also highly regarded by admissions tutors in many other subjects, including Law, due to its demands for logical thinking. It is also useful if you want to go on to study subjects such as Geology, Physical Geography, Engineering, or Material Science. Job prospects are excellent in all of areas of Chemistry. In addition, the ability of Chemistry graduates to solve problems using logical thinking, data analysis and to carry out research means they are valuable in all types of employment and are sought after by a wide range of industrial, environmental and financial companies.

Our teaching sets are small and lessons are dynamic. There is an emphasis on practical work and students are expected to contribute fully to lively discussions. A comprehensive system of tutorials affords our A level students the opportunity to think independently and we urge all year groups to make good use of our extensive departmental library. National competitions, both practical and theoretical provide extra stimulation away from the demands of the syllabus.