Why is mercury a liquid at room temperature?
Can we do anything about global warming?
How and why will I be affected if we run out of oil?

Chemistry tends to focus on the materials which make up our world, both living and non-living. We study their properties and interactions and try to explain patterns of behaviour. Whether it's developing specific drugs to target disease, finding better ways to use the resources we have or developing new materials with enhanced properties, chemistry is everywhere. If you enjoy asking questions about the world around you, then you will like AS and A2 Chemistry because, at last, you will get some answers!

What is Chemistry @ DLD?

The content of the course is based upon the Edexcel AS/A2 specification, combining theory with practical experience. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, applying a variety of strategies to help all students. We encourage imaginative, critical and logical thinking for problem solving and for interpreting and answering text-based questions. The weekly practical work enables you consolidate the concepts introduced in the theory lessons. It also familiarises them with the experimental procedures and skills that are internally assessed over the two years of AS and A2 study, as well as preparing you with the skills required to study Chemistry at a higher level.

How is it assessed?

What do I need?

Chemistry requires an interest in the subject and an enthusiasm and commitment to work hard. You will need to develop your abilities to work independently and take responsibility for your own progress. Ideally, you will have at least a B grade in GCSE Science (double or separate sciences) and Maths. We have worked with students from a variety of backgrounds and experience and so the first few weeks of the course are designed to help everyone reach a common skill set.

Good subject combinations

Chemistry is a subject that goes well with a variety of other subjects. The organic chemistry content has a lot of links with Biology; the physical chemistry is complemented by a study of Physics; the calculations require an understanding of Maths. Also, due to its development of analytical and problem solving skills, Chemistry would be a good subject to study in conjunction with Psychology or Geography.

If you are looking to broaden your AS curriculum, then studying Chemistry alongside more arts-based subjects would work well, provided you meet the GCSE entry requirements.

A qualification in Chemistry is highly valued and leads to a wide variety of careers. If you are undecided, many options are kept open by studying Chemistry.

After DLD

If you want to study Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Veterinary Science you will need A level Chemistry. However an understanding of chemistry is necessary to all other sciences and universities greatly value A level Chemistry as a qualification.

Chemistry is central to careers in physics, materials, engineering, medicine, earth science and life sciences. Chemists often work in sectors such as the chemical industry (research and development, analytical chemistry, technical sales and marketing), public services (forensic science, health services, environmental protection and water companies), academia and teaching, publishing, technical writing and patent law. Studying the chemical sciences at university level helps you develop many skills such as problem solving, effective communication, creativity and teamwork; for this reason chemical scientists are much sought after and can pursue careers in many exciting and varied fields of work.

Questions

Can I do the course in one year? YES (and we also have an 18 month course)
Is Easter Revision available? YES
Can I take the course if I've studied Chemistry AS or A2 previously? YES - either in the one year course or over 2 years