Free A Level Chemistry Course in Barnet. Classes run at Woodhouse College, full-time during the day. The course runs over two years and covers core chemistry topics alongside practical laboratory work. Around 20% of the course involves applying maths, so confidence with numbers matters. You'll develop logical thinking, problem solving, and independent study skills that carry into many careers and degree subjects. Entry requirements apply, including specific GCSE grades in science and maths. This is a level 3 a level chemistry qualification that opens doors to university study in chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, and related fields.
Who this course is for
Chemistry A level will inspire and nurture your passion for the subject and lay the groundwork for further study. It is important that you like and are confident in mathematics, as 20% of the course involves the application of maths. Students gain many transferable skills such as logical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, communication and independent study skills, and develop their ability to apply their scientific knowledge and these skills to unfamiliar contexts. Many students go on to study medicine, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, pharmacy and chemical engineering. Those with exceptional grades go on to study chemistry or natural sciences at Oxford or Cambridge or vocational courses like medicine, veterinary sciences or dentistry. The Chemistry in Action conference, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, summer schools, the RSC Chemistry Olympiad, guest speakers, and an expedition to Iceland are all available to our students. We also run a spectroscopy workshop and take groups of students to UCL.
Course content
The course is divided into three disciplines:
Physical chemistry topics: atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, redox and electrode potentials.
Inorganic chemistry topics: groups 2 and 7, periodicity, transition metals and reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
Organic chemistry topics: functional group chemistry, mechanisms, isomerism, polymers, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis and analysis.
Entry requirements
GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics, GCSE Grade 5 in English Language. GCSE Grade 7 + 6 in Science Combined Trilogy (if Chemistry is the only science subject being studied at A Level) OR GCSE Grade 7 + 7 in Science Combined Trilogy (if Chemistry is being studied alongside another A Level science subject) OR GCSE Grade 7 in Chemistry + Grade 6 in Biology + Grade 6 in Physics
What you will learn
You'll study atomic structure, bonding, and the periodic table in depth.
You'll explore organic chemistry, including reaction mechanisms and functional groups.
You'll apply mathematical skills to quantitative chemistry problems.
You'll carry out practical laboratory work and develop experimental technique.
You'll analyse data and draw evidence-based conclusions.
You'll develop problem-solving skills using scientific knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.
You'll build independent study skills and the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom teaching, practical laboratory sessions, and independent study. Assessment is by written examinations at the end of the two-year course, set and marked by AQA. Practical skills are assessed separately through a practical endorsement, which is reported alongside your A Level grade. There are no coursework components contributing to the final grade.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Woodhouse College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Laboratory technician: supports research and testing in science settings.
Pharmaceutical technician: works in drug manufacturing and quality control.
Chemical analyst: tests substances in industrial or forensic labs.
Research assistant: supports scientists in university or commercial research.
Science teacher (with further study): teaches chemistry in secondary schools.
Environmental scientist (with further study): monitors and analyses environmental data.
What you could study next
BSc Chemistry or Biochemistry: the most direct route for those wanting to specialise further at university.
BSc Pharmacy or Pharmacology: combines chemistry knowledge with medical science.
BSc Chemical Engineering: applies chemistry to industrial processes and manufacturing.
Medicine or Dentistry (with additional A Levels): Chemistry A Level is a standard requirement for most medical school applications.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Science: a work-based alternative to a full degree.
