INTRODUCTION
Chemistry is the study of all materials and is vital to every aspect of life. From the moment of birth and throughout the whole of life chemistry surrounds us – in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the clothes we wear. Many people not called chemists also do chemistry because it is the central science. Without it, molecular chemists could not sequence the human genome, nanotechnologists could not make molecular computers, and materials scientists could not make superconductors. Chemists extend nature to such an extent that 90% of all known substances have been created by chemistry and would not have been known without the efforts of chemists. The A Level course builds directly on the GCSE Double Award course. The aim of the course is twofold. Firstly, to inspire and generate future chemists to carry on developing all those materials that make our lives comfortable. As a by-product, students will develop skills in problem solving, analysis, initiative, accuracy, numeracy and decision-making which make them highly sought-after in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Entry Requirements
We are looking for those who enjoyed the Chemistry section of the Science Course in Years 10 and 11. You should have gained Grade BB or above in Double Award Science or Grade B or above in single subject Chemistry at GCSE. The Single Award Science Course is an inadequate preparation for A level Science Courses. A candidate can perform well in A level Chemistry with nothing more than GCSE Mathematics but a course in A level Mathematics is highly desirable for those considering a career in Chemistry or related disciplines.

Course Content
The AQA AS/A level Chemistry specification is followed. The department has devised a bespoke two year practical chemistry course which links closely to the specification.

The coursework component is assessed in lesson time throughout both years of the course.

The department is also monitoring closely the national introduction of the Cambridge Pre-U qualification in September 2008. This is a linear course, and is therefore examined at the end of Year 13. This qualification may be an option for those students considering entry to Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities.

Looking Further Ahead
As well as being essential for those pursuing careers in Chemistry and other directly related courses, A Level Chemistry is also required for degrees in pharmacy, medicine, veterinary medicine, ophthalmology and dentistry - courses which are generally oversubscribed and hence require grade As at A Level.

Other non-scientific degree options include accountancy, law, marketing and management.

As for other career options, these include: