Advanced Chemistry is, and always has been, a universally valued academic subject accepted by all Further and Higher Education establishments, as well as being a fascinating study in its own right.

Good reasons for choosing Chemistry are that you want to pursue Chemistry at a higher level, or follow a career in some related scientific field, for example, the medical profession, chemical engineering or veterinary work. The course is flexible, with students covering core material in compulsory units.

AS offers no choice of unit content, but A2 (Advanced Level) candidates study some optional units that present an opportunity to explore an area of Chemistry in greater depth. The options cover a mix of modern applications, together with the more traditional areas.

The AS forms 50% of the assessment weighting of the full A Level, and can be taken as a stand-alone qualification of the first part of the full A Level course.

Marks are awarded by means of ‘units of assessment’ that are examined in January and June of each year. At this level the units are:

• Foundation Chemistry
• Chains and Rings

• How Far? How Fast?

In addition for A2 there are also:
• Chains and Rings and Spectroscopy
• Trends and Patterns (+ options)
• Unifying Concepts

At both AS and A2 there is now no longer a requirement for assessment in a fixed number of units at the end of either course. However, 20% of the full award is through synoptic assessment that is based upon ‘Trends and Patterns’ and ‘Unifying Concepts’ so these are usually the final two areas of study.

So, if you are genuinely interested in Chemistry and its associated studies, you have at least a grade C at GCSE Science, and you want to keep your options open - then this is the subject for you.