Cambridge A & AS Level- Chemistry

by Nandana Surendran

Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry is ideal for learners who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

Aims of the Syllabus

The aims listed below are not in order of priority. The aims of a course based on this syllabus should be to-

  1. Provide, through well designed studies of experimental and practical chemistry, a worthwhile educational experience for all learners, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level and, in particular, to enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to-
    • Become confident citizens in a technological world, able to take or develop an informed interest in scientific matters
    • Recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life
    • Be suitably prepared for employment and/or further studies beyond Cambridge International A Level in Chemistry.

  2. Develop abilities and skills that:
    • Are relevant to the study and practice of science
    • Are useful in everyday life
    • Encourage efficient and safe practice
    • Encourage the presentation of information and ideas appropriate for different audiences and purposes
    • Develop self-motivation and the ability to work in a sustained fashion.

  3. Develop attitudes relevant to science such as:
    • A concern for accuracy and precision
    • Objectivity
    • Integrity
    • A spirit of enquiry
    • Initiative
    • Insight.

  4. Stimulate interest in, and care for, the environment.

  5. Promote an awareness that-
    • The study and practice of science are co-operative and cumulative activities, and are subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations
    • The applications of chemistry may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment.

  6. Stimulate learners and create a sustained interest in chemistry so that the study of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying.

Syllabus

Physical chemistry

  1. Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry
  2. Atomic structure
  3. Chemical bonding
  4. States of matter
  5. Chemical energetics
  6. Electrochemistry
  7. Equilibria
  8. Reaction kinetics

Inorganic chemistry
9. The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
10. Group 2
11. Group 17
12. An introduction to the chemistry of transition elements
13. Nitrogen and sulfur

Organic chemistry and analysis
14. An introduction to organic chemistry
15. Hydrocarbons
16. Halogen derivatives
17. Hydroxy compounds
18. Carbonyl compounds
19. Carboxylic acids and derivatives
20. Nitrogen compounds
21. Polymerisation
22. Analytical techniques
23. Organic synthesis

All students study practical skills.

Objectives of the Assessment

1. Knowledge with understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge with understanding in relation to-
• Scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts, theories
• Scientific vocabulary, terminology, conventions (including symbols, quantities and units)
• Scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety
• Scientific quantities and their determination
• Scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications
• Reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships.

The subject content defines the factual knowledge that candidates may be required to recall and explain. Questions testing these assessment objectives will often begin with one of the following words: define, state, describe, explain or outline.

2. Handling, applying and evaluating information
Candidates should be able to-
• Locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources
• Handle information, distinguishing the relevant from the extraneous
• Manipulate numerical and other data and translate information from one form to another
• Analyse and evaluate information so as to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences
• Construct arguments to support hypotheses or to justify a course of action
• Apply knowledge, including principles, to new situations
• Evaluate information and hypotheses.

These assessment objectives cannot be precisely specified in the subject content because questions testing such skills may be based on information which is unfamiliar to the candidate. In answering such questions, candidates are required to use principles and concepts that are within the syllabus and apply them in a logical, reasoned or deductive manner to a new situation. Questions testing these objectives will often begin with one of the following words: predict, suggest, construct, calculate or determine

3. Experimental skills and investigations
Candidates should be able to-
• Plan experiments and investigations
• Collect, record and present observations, measurements and estimates
• Analyse and interpret data to reach conclusions
• Evaluate methods and quality of data, and suggest improvements.

Assessment

COMPONENT-

Paper 1 Multiple Choice
This paper consists of 40 multiple choice questions, 30 of the direct choice
type and 10 of the multiple completion type, all with four options. All questions
will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will answer all
questions. Candidates will answer on an answer sheet.
(1 hour)
(40 marks)
AS Level- 31%
A Level- 15.5%

Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions
This paper consists of a variable number of questions of variable mark value.
All questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will
answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
(1 hour 15 minutes)
(60 marks)
AS Level- 46%
A Level- 23%

Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills
This paper requires candidates to carry out practical work in timed conditions.
Candidates will be expected to collect, record and analyse data so that they can
answer questions related to the activity. The paper will consist of two or three
experiments drawn from different areas of chemistry. Candidates will answer all
questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
(2 hours)
(40 marks)
AS Level- 23%
A Level- 11.5%

Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions
This paper consists of a variable number of free response style questions of
variable mark value. All questions will be based on the A Level syllabus but
may require knowledge of material first encountered in the AS Level syllabus.
Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question
paper.
(2 hours)
(100 marks)
A Level– 38.5%

Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
This paper consists of a variable number of questions of variable mark value
based on the practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation. The context
of the questions may be outside the syllabus content, but candidates will be
assessed on their practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation rather than
their knowledge of theory. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will
answer on the question paper.
(1 hour 15 minutes)
(30 marks)
A Level– 11.5%

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