Description
The International A Level in Chemistry will give you essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other. You will gain a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
You will also become competent and confident in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills and develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
Difference between Cambridge & Edexcel Exam Boards
Cambridge and Edexcel A Levels are international qualifications. Cambridge A-Levels can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom, whereas Edexcel A-Levels can only be taken outside of the United Kingdom. Both Cambridge and Edexcel courses are Full A Level qualifications allowing you to apply to universities internationally.
For the sciences, (biology, chemistry and physics) there are some differences between the specifications. One main difference which will sometimes sway a decision is the assessment:
Edexcel
With Edexcel all of the specification including practical is taught in theory and as a result you will be assessed by written exam papers only.
Cambridge
If you take the sciences with Cambridge, you will have written exams but you will also need to complete practical endorsements. In order to do so, your exam centre will need to cater for both the written and practical exams.
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations / practicals at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
Progression
The course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain a knowledge and understanding of this subject or for anyone who wishes to study at a higher level at University and gain UCAS points. You will also find this course extremely valuable if you are looking for a progression route for further training whilst employed.
Other A levels which compliment this course well include Mathematics, Biology and Physics.
Cambridge Specification
International A Level Chemistry
Cambridge Course Code: 9701
Cambridge Exams: June & November
Cambridge Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry develops a set of transferable skills including handling data, practical problem-solving, and applying the scientific method. Learners develop relevant attitudes, such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness. The essential scientific skills learnt will prepare learners for progression to further studies or employment.
How will I benefit from the International A Level Chemistry Cambridge course?
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry encourages learners to be:
- confident, secure in their knowledge, keen to explore further and able to communicate effectively through the language of science
- responsible, developing efficient and safe scientific practices and working collaboratively with others
- reflective, able to evaluate evidence to draw informed and appropriate conclusions and recognising that the applications of science have the potential to affect the individual, the community and the environment
- innovative, applying problem-solving skills to novel situations and engaging with new tools and techniques, including information technology, to develop successful approaches
- engaged, developing an enquiring mind, keen to apply scientific skills in everyday life.
Key concepts
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry are:
Atoms and forces
Matter is built from atoms interacting and bonding through electrostatic forces. The structure of matter affects its physical and chemical properties, and influences how substances react chemically.
Experiments and evidence
Chemists use evidence gained from observations and experiments to build models and theories of the structure and reactivity of materials. Theories are tested by further experiments and an appreciation of accuracy and reliability is gained.
Patterns in chemical behaviour and reactions
Patterns in chemical behaviour can be identified and used to predict the properties of substances. By applying these patterns, useful new substances can be designed and synthetic routes created.
Chemical bonds
The understanding of how chemical bonds are made and broken by the movement of electrons allows us to predict patterns of reactivity. Appreciation of the strength of chemical bonds leads to the understanding of a material’s properties and its uses.
Energy changes
The energy changes that take place during chemical reactions can be used to predict the extent, feasibility and rate of such reactions. An understanding is gained of why and how chemical reactions happen.
Cambridge Chemistry Content Overview
IAS Level Topics (Year 1)
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Chemistry study the AS topics and the following topics:
Physical chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry
- Chemical bonding
- States of matter
- Chemical energetics
- Electrochemistry
- Equilibria
- Reaction kinetics
Inorganic chemistry
- The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
- Group 2
- Group 17
- Nitrogen and sulfur
Organic chemistry
- An introduction to AS Level organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Halogen compounds
- Hydroxy compounds
- Carbonyl compounds
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Nitrogen compounds
- Polymerisation
- Organic synthesis
Analysis
Analytical techniques
AS Level candidates also study practical skills.
IA2 Level Topics (Year 2)
Candidates for Cambridge International A Chemistry Level study the AS topics AND the following topics:
Physical chemistry
- Chemical energetics
- Electrochemistry
- Equilibria
- Reaction kinetics
Inorganic chemistry
- Group 2
- Chemistry of transition elements
Organic chemistry
- An introduction to A Level organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Halogen compounds
- Hydroxy compounds
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Nitrogen compounds
- Polymerisation
- Organic synthesis
A Level candidates also study practical skills
Cambridge Assessment
There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Chemistry course with Cambridge
- AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3) in one exam sitting.
- Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3) in one exam sitting. In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 4 & Paper 5). If learners achieve a pass in all five papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Chemistry.
- Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Papers 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, Paper 4 & Paper 5).
Exam Papers
Paper 1
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment Overview: Multiple Choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content.
40 marks
Paper 2
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment Overview: Structured questions based on the AS Level Syllabus content
60 marks
Paper 3
Time: 2 hours
Availability: June and November
Assessment overview: Practical work and structured questions based on the experimental skills in the Practical assessment section of the syllabus.
40 marks
Paper 4
Time: 2 hours
Availability: June and November
Assessment Overview: Structured questions based on the A Level syllabus content; knowledge of material from the AS Level syllabus content will be required.
100 marks
Paper 5
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Availability: June and November
Assessment Overview: Questions based on the experimental skills of planning, analysis and evaluation.
30 marks
Edexcel Specification
Edexcel Course Code(s): XCH11/ YCH11
Edexcel Exams: January, June & October
Edexcel Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
Pearson Edexcel
This Edexcel International A’ Level Chemistry Course with will enable you to gain essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry. You will also learn a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
It covers the major topics in chemistry, including molar calculations, structure and bonding, energetics, rates, equilibria, Group chemistry, transition metals and a range of organic chemistry; as well as associated experimental skills.
How will I benefit from the International A Level Chemistry Edexcel course?
The aims and objectives of these qualifications are to enable students to develop:
- essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
- their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
The key concepts for Edexcel International AS & A Level Chemistry are:
Structure
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Chemistry and the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Chemistry are modular qualifications. The Advanced Subsidiary can be claimed on completion of the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) units. The International Advanced Level can be claimed on completion of all the units (IAS and IA2 units).
Content
The content is relevant for students who have achieved a GCSE in Chemistry and who want to study the subject at a higher level. The content has been updated from the previous Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Chemistry and Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Chemistry qualifications. It covers the major topics in chemistry, including molar calculations, structure and bonding, energetics, rates, equilibria, Group chemistry, transition metals and a range of organic chemistry; as well as associated experimental skills.
Assessment
Assessment consists of three written papers at IAS level that are externally assessed. The International A level consists of three further written papers that are externally assessed.
Approach
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of chemistry by applying the concepts in this specification to a range of different problems, set in a variety of contexts. Students will need to apply mathematical skills to the problems. Students will also develop their practical skills. This specification includes 16 core practical activities, which is the minimum number of practical activities that students will carry out. Centres are encouraged to include additional practical activities to develop students’ practical skills further.
Edexcel Chemistry Content Overview
IAS Level Topics (Year 1)
Topic 1: formulae, equations and amount of substance
- 1A Atoms, elements and molecules, 1B.1 Writing chemical equations
- 1B.2 Typical reactions of acids
- 1B.3 Displacement reactions
- 1B.4 Precipitation reactions
- 1C.1 Comparing masses of substances, 1C.2 Calculations involving moles
- 1C.3 Calculations using reacting masses
- 1C.4 The yield of a reaction, 1C.5 Atom economy
- 1D.1 Empirical formulae
- 1D.2 Molecular formulae
- 1E.1 Molar volume calculations
- 1E.2 Concentrations of solutions, 1E.3 Concentrations in ppm
Topic 2: atomic structure and the periodic table
- 2A.1 Structure of the atom and isotopes
- 2A.2 Mass spectrometry and relative masses of atoms, isotopes and molecules
- 2A.3 Atomic orbitals and electronic configurations
- 2A.4 Ionisation energies
- 2B.1 The Periodic Table
- 2B.2 Periodic properties
Topic 3: bonding and structure
- 3A.1 The nature of ionic bonding, 3A.2 Ionic radii and polarisation of ions, 3A.3 Physical properties of ionic compounds
- 3B.1 Covalent bonding, 3B.2 Electronegativity and bond polarity
- 3B.3 Bonding in discrete (simple) molecules, 3B.4 Dative covalent bonds
- 3C.1 Shapes of molecules and ions
- 3C.2 Non-polar and polar molecules
- 3D Metallic bonding
- 3E.1 Introduction to solid lattices
- 3E.2 Structure and properties
Topic 4: introductory organic chemistry and alkanes
- 4A.1-6 (1): 4A.1 What is organic chemistry? 4A.2 Different types of formulae, 4A.4 Nomenclature, 4A.5 Structural isomerism, 4A.6 Types of reaction
- 4A.1-6 (2): 4A.1 What is organic chemistry? 4A.2 Different types of formulae, 4A.3 Functional groups and homologous series, 4A.5 Structural isomerism, 4A.6 Types of reaction
- 4B.1 Alkanes from crude oil, 4A.7 Hazards, risks and risk assessments
- 4B.2 Alkanes as fuels
- 4B.3 Alternative fuels
- 4B.4 Substitution reactions of alkanes
Topic 5: alkenes
- 5A.1 Alkenes and their bonding, 5A.2 Geometric isomerism, 5A.3 Addition reactions of alkenes
- 5A.3 Addition reactions of alkenes, 5A.4i The mechanisms of addition reactions
- 5A.3 Addition reactions of alkenes, 5A.4ii The mechanisms of addition reactions
- 5B.1 Polymerisation reactions, 5B.2 Dealing with polymer waste
Topic 6: energetics
- 6A Introducing enthalpy and enthalpy change, 6B Enthalpy level diagrams
- 6C Standard enthalpy change of combustion
- 6D Standard enthalpy change of neutralisation
- 6E Standard enthalpy change of formation and Hess’s law
- 6F Bond enthalpy and mean bond enthalpy, 6G Using mean bond enthalpies
Topic 7: intermolecular forces
- 7A Intermolecular interactions
- 7B Intermolecular interactions and physical properties
Topic 8: redox chemistry and groups 1, 2 and 7
- 8A.1 Electron loss and gain
- 8A.2 Assigning oxidation numbers, 8A.4 Oxidation numbers and nomenclature
- 8A.3 Recognising reactions using oxidation numbers, 8A.5 Constructing full ionic equations
- 8B.1 Trends in Groups 1 and 2, 8B.2 Reactions of Group 1 elements,
- 8B.3 Reactions of Group 2 elements
- 8B.4 Oxides and hydroxides in Groups 1 and 2
- 8B.5 Thermal stability of compounds in Groups 1 and 2
- 8B.6 Flame tests and the test for ammonium ions
- 8C.1 Trends in Group 7
- 8C.2 Redox reactions in Group 7
- 8C.3 Reactions of halides with sulfuric acid
- 8C.4 Other reactions of halides
- 8D.1 Making standard solutions
- 8D.2 Doing titrations
- 8D.2 Doing titrations, 8D.3 Calculations from titrations
- 8D.4 Mistakes, errors, accuracy and precision, 8D.5 Measurement errors and measurement uncertainties, 8D.6 Overall measurement uncertainty
Topic 9: introduction to kinetics and equilibria
- 9A.1 Reaction rate, collision theory and activation energy, 9A.4 Effect of catalysts on rate of reaction
- 9A.2 Effect of concentration, pressure and surface area on rate of reaction
- 9A.3 Effect of temperature on rate of reaction
- 9A.3 Effect of temperature on rate of reaction, 9A.4 Effect of catalysts on rate of reaction
- 9B.1 Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium, 9B.2 Effect of changes in conditions on equilibrium composition
- 9B.3 Reversible reactions in industry
- Topic 10: organic chemistry: halogenoalkanes, alcohols and spectra
- 10B.1 Halogenoalkanes and hydrolysis reaction, 10B.3 Halogenoalkane reactions and mechanisms, 10A General principles in organic chemistry
- 10B.2 Comparing the rates of hydrolysis reactions
- 10 B.3 Halogenoalkane reactions and mechanisms
- 10C.1 Alcohols and some of their reactions
- 10C.2 Oxidation reactions of alcohols
- 10C.3 Purifying an organic liquid
- 10D.1 Mass spectrometry of organic compounds, 10D.2 Deducing structures from mass spectra
- 10D.3 Infrared spectroscopy, 10D.4 Using infrared spectra
IA2 Topics (Year 2)
Topic 11: kinetics
- 11A.1 Techniques for measuring the rate of reaction
- 11A.2 Rate equations, rate constants and orders of reaction
- 11A.3 Determining orders of reaction
- 11A.4 Rate equations and mechanisms
- 11A.5 Activation energy and catalysis
- 11A.6 Effect of temperature on the rate constant
Topic 12: entropy and energetics
- 12A.1 Introduction to entropy
- 12A.2 Total entropy
- 12A.3 Understanding entropy changes
- 12B.1 Lattice energy, ΔLEH, and Born–Haber cycles
- 12B.2 Experimental and theoretical lattice energies
- 12B.3 Enthalpy changes of solution and hydration
Topic 13: chemical equilibria
- 13A.1–2 Equilibrium constant, Kc; Equilibrium constant, Kp
- 13A.3–4 Factors affecting equilibrium constants 1–2
- 13A.5 Relating entropy to equilibrium constants
Topic 14: acid-base equilibria
- 14A.1 The Brønsted–Lowry theory
- 14A.2 Hydrogen ion concentration and the pH scale
- 14A.3 Ionic product of water, Kw
- 14A.4 Analysing data from pH measurements
- 14B.1 Acid–base titrations, pH curves and indicators
- 14B.2 Buffer solutions
- 14B.3 Buffer solutions and pH curves
Topic 15: organic chemistry: carbonyls, carboxylic acids and chirality
- 15A.1–3 Chirality and enantiomers; Optical activity; Optical activity and reaction mechanisms
- 15B.1–3 Carbonyl compounds and their physical properties; Redox reactions of carbonyl compounds; Nucleophilic addition reactions
- 15C.1–2 Carboxylic acids and their physical properties; Preparations and reactions of carboxylic acids
- 15D.1–2 Carboxylic acid derivatives: Acyl chlorides; Esters
- 15D.3 Carboxylic acid derivatives: Polyesters
- 15E.1 Simple chromatography
- 15E.2 Determining structures using mass spectra
- 15E.3–4 Chromatography: HPLC and GC; Chromatography and mass spectrometry
- 15E.5–6 Principles of NMR spectroscopy; 13C NMR spectroscopy
- 15E.7–8 1H NMR spectroscopy; Splitting patterns in 1H NMR spectra
Topic 16: redox equilibria
- 16A.1–2 Standard electrode (redox) potentials; Electrochemical cells
- 16A.3 Standard electrode potentials and thermodynamic feasibility
- 16B.1 Fuel cells
- 16B.2 Redox titrations
Topic 17: transition metals and their chemistry
- 17A.1 Transition metal electronic configurations
- 17A.2 Ligands and complexes
- 17A.3 The origin of colour in complexes
- 17A.4–6 Common shapes of complexes; Square planar complexes; Multidentate ligands
- 17B.1–3 Different types of reactions; Reactions of cobalt and iron complexes; The chemistry of chromium
- 17B.4–5 Reactions of manganese complexes; The chemistry of vanadium
- 17B.6 Reactions of nickel and zinc complexes
- 17C.1–2 Heterogeneous catalysis; Homogeneous catalysis
Topic 18: organic chemistry: arenes
- 18A.1 Benzene: a molecule with two models
- 18A.2–3 Some reactions of benzene; Electrophilic substitution mechanisms
- 18A.4 Phenol
Topic 19: organic nitrogen compounds
- 19A.1–3 Amines and their preparations; Acid–base reactions of amines; Other reactions of amines
- 19A.4 Amides and polyamides
- 19A.5–6 Amino acids; Peptides and proteins
Topic 20: organic synthesis
- 20A.1 Organic analysis
- 20A.2 Organic synthesis
- 20A.3 Hazards, risks and control measures
- 20A.4–5 Practical techniques in organic chemistry – Parts 1 and 2
Practical skills are built into the course and assessed through written exams.
Edexcel Assessment
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Chemistry
This qualification consists of three externally-examined units. The International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) is the first half of the International Advanced Level qualification and consists of three IAS units – Units 1, 2 and 3. This qualification can be awarded as a qualification on it’s own or can contribute 50% towards the International Advanced Level qualification. The qualification will include questions that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Overall, a minimum of 20% of the marks across the papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Chemistry
This qualification consists of six externally-examined units. The International Advanced Level consists of the three IAS units (Units 1, 2 and 3) plus three IA2 units (Units 4, 5 and 6). Students wishing to take the International Advanced Level must, therefore, complete all six units. The qualification will include questions that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Overall, a minimum of 20% of the marks across the papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.
Exams Papers
Paper 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview:
Section A: multiple choice questions
Section B: mixture of short-open, open-response and calculation questions.
80 marks
Paper 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols
Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview:
Section A: multiple choice questions
Section B: mixture of short-open, open-response, calculations and extended-writing questions
Section C: contemporary context question.
80 Marks
Paper 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I
Written Examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview:
This paper may include short-open, open-response and calculation questions. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding of practical skills to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
50 marks
Paper 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry
Written Examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview:
Section A: multiple choice questions
Section B: mixture of short-open, open-response, calculations and extended-writing questions
Section C: data or calculation question.
90 marks
Paper 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
Written Examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview:
Section A: multiple choice questions
Section B: mixture of short-open, open-response, calculations and extended-writing questions
Section C: contemporary context question.
90 marks
Paper 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry I
Written Examination: 1 hour 20 minutes
Availability: January, June and October
Assessment overview:
This paper may include short-open, open-response and calculation questions. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding of practical skills to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
50 mark
