A-Level Chemistry (AM 06) MATSEC | London | Oxford etc.

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A-Level Chemistry Syllabus 2010

Chemistry is a core science and its importance to human well-being and
continued development cannot be over-emphasised. The study of chemistry at
this level requires a sound appreciation of basic principles without which it is
difficult to understand the many facts of the science. Indeed, the syllabus stresses
the principles, knowledge of which being considered to be of even greater
importance than memorization of chemical facts. The syllabus assumes a
knowledge of chemistry at a level equivalent to that defined by the Secondary
Education Certificate syllabus.

The Examination

The examination consists of two written papers and a practical paper. Each of the
three papers is of three hours’ duration.

Paper I consists of six to ten compulsory structured questions and carries 40% of
the total score. Students will write their answers on the examination paper in the
spaces provided.

Paper II consists of two sections each containing four extended response
questions. Five questions are to be answered from this paper, two questions from
each section and any one other. This paper carries 40% of the total score.

Paper III is a practical examination. This is an open book examination and
candidates may use any printed material which assists them in their work. This
paper carries 20% of the total score.

Candidates may use an electronic calculator in all parts of the examination.

Familiarity with Periodic Table
Candidates are expected to be familiar with the structure of the Periodic Table
and the group affiliation of each element with atomic number from 1 to 30.
However, a copy of the Periodic Table will be provided for Paper II of the
examination although not for Paper I. Relative atomic masses will always be given
where necessary.

Mathematical skills
In order to understand certain concepts required by the syllabus, candidates will
need to be able to:

Recognise and use expressions in decimal and standard form; use ratios, fractions and percentages and find arithmetic means; make estimates of results; use an appropriate number of significant figures; use calculators.
Change the subject of an equation; substitute numerical values into algebraic equations using units for physical quantities; use logarithms in relation to quantities which range over several orders of magnitude.
Appreciate angles and shapes in regular two and three dimensional structures and to represent three dimensional forms in two dimensions; understand the symmetry of two dimensional and three dimensional shapes.
Plot two variables from given data; understand that y = mx + c represents a linear relationship and be able to determine the slope and intercept of a line; draw and use the slope of a tangent to a curve as a measure of rate of change. Language skills Candidates are reminded of the importance of the use of good English in answering questions in the examination. In essay-type answers and also where calculations are involved, orderly and detailed presentation will be rewarded.