AS Chemistry 2014

Course Structure

From September 2014 the AS GCE is made up of three

COMPULSORY units.

TWO of the units are externally assessed and ONE is

internally assessed.

Units

Unit F321: Atoms, Bonds and Groups • Atoms and reactions

• Electrons, bonding and structure

• The Periodic Table

Unit F322: Chains, Energy and Resources • Basic concepts and hydrocarbons

• Alcohols, halogenoalkanes and analysis

• Energy

• Resources

Unit F323: Practical Skills in Chemistry 1 • This AS (practical skills) unit is essentially coursework.

Unit 1 - F321 Module 1: Atoms and Reactions

• 1.1.1 Atoms

• 1.1.2 Moles and equations

• 1.1.3 Acids

• 1.1.4 Redox

Module 2: Electrons, Bonding and Structure

• 1.2.1 Electron structure

• 1.2.2 Bonding and structure

Module 3: The Periodic Table

• 1.3.1 Periodicity

• 1.3.2 Group 2

• 1.3.3 Group 7

Candidates are expected to apply knowledge, understanding and other skills gained in this unit to new situations and/or to solve related problems.

Unit 2 - F322 Module 1: Basic Concepts and Hydrocarbons

• 2.1.1 Basic Concepts

• 2.1.2 Alkanes • 2.1.3 Alkenes

Module 2: Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Analysis

• 2.2.1 Alcohols • 2.2.2 Halogenoalkanes

• 2.2.3 Modern Analytical Techniques

Module 3: Energy

• 2.3.1 Enthalpy Changes

• 2.3.2 Rates and Equilibrium

Module 4: Resources

• 2.4.1 Chemistry of the Air

• 2.4.2 Green Chemistry

Candidates are expected to apply knowledge, understanding and other skills gained in this unit to new situations and/or to solve related

problems.

Unit 3 – F323

Candidates are required to carry out three tasks:

1. Qualitative task [10 marks] eg making observations

2. Quantitative task [15 marks] eg doing calculations

3. Evaluative task [15 marks] – eg critical analysis / error analysis

The Coursework

AS Assessment

Unit 1 F321

30% of grade

One hour written exam structured paper 60 marks (90 UMS)

Unit 2 F322

50% of grade

One hour 45 minutes exam structured paper 100 marks (150

UMS)

Unit 3 F323

20% of grade

Coursework internal assessment 40 marks (60 UMS)

Exam board sets the task, teachers mark the work but it is

moderated.

Timing/Dates

F321 Unit 1 June 2015

F322 Unit 2 June 2015

F323 Unit 3 June 2015

General Features of Assessment

Knowledge and understanding

Applying knowledge and understanding

Evaluating scientific information

Practical techniques

Methods of analysis

Health and safety

A2 Chemistry 2015

Course Structure

From September 2015 the Advanced GCE is made up of three COMPULSORY units at AS and three further COMPULSORY units at A2.

Two of the AS and two of the A2 units are externally assessed.

The third AS unit F323 and the third A2 unit F326 are internally assessed and will include the assessment of practical skills.

Units

Unit F324: Rings, Polymers and Analysis • Rings, acids and amines

• Polymers and synthesis

• Analysis

Unit F325: Equilibria, Energetics and Elements • Rates, equilibrium and pH

• Energy

• Transition elements

Unit F326: Practical Skills in Chemistry 2 • This A2 (practical skills) unit is essentially coursework.

Unit 4 – F324 Module 1: Rings, Acids and Amines • 4.1.1 Arenes

• 4.1.2 Carbonyl Compounds

• 4.1.3 Carboxylic Acids and Esters

• 4.1.4 Amines

Module 2: Polymers and Synthesis • 4.2.1 Amino Acids and Proteins

• 4.2.2 Polyesters and Polyamides

• 4.2.3 Synthesis

Module 3: Analysis • 4.3.1 Chromatography

• 4.3.2 Spectroscopy

Candidates are expected to apply knowledge, understanding and other skills gained in this unit to new situations and/or to solve related problems.

Unit 5 – F325

Module 1: Rates, Equilibrium and pH • 5.1.1 How Fast?

• 5.1.2 How Far?

• 5.1.3 Acids, Bases and Buffers

Module 2: Energy • 5.2.1 Lattice Enthalpy

• 5.2.2 Enthalpy and Entropy

• 5.2.3 Electrode Potentials and Fuel Cells

Module 3: Transition Elements • 5.3.1 Transition Elements

Candidates are expected to apply knowledge, understanding and other skills gained in this unit to new situations and/or to solve related

problems.

Unit 6 – F326

Candidates are required to carry out three tasks:

1. Qualitative task [10 marks]; - eg observations

2. Quantitative task [15 marks]; - eg measurements

3. Evaluative task [15 marks]. – eg critical analysis / error analysis

A2 Assessment

A2 Unit 4 F324 15% of the total Advanced GCE marks. 1 hr written paper

60 marks Candidates answer all questions. (90 UMS)

This unit contains some synoptic and Stretch and Challenge questions.

A2 Unit 5 F325 25% of the total Advanced GCE marks. 1.75hr written paper

100 marks. Candidates answer all questions. (150 UMS)

This unit contains some synoptic and Stretch and Challenge questions.

A2 Unit 6 F326 Coursework. Candidates complete three tasks set by OCR. Work is

moderated by OCR.

10% of the total Advanced GCE marks

Coursework 40 marks (60 UMS)

Gradings

Raw marks are converted to uniform marks

For both AS and A2, 200 raw marks available converted

to 300 uniform marks

For A grade – 240 uniform marks, B grade – 210

uniform marks, C grade – 180 uniform marks,

D grade – 150 uniform marks, E grade - 120 uniform

marks

These marks apply to both AS and A2 exams

To achieve A* grade at A Level, total of 480 (min)

uniform marks needed BUT AT LEAST 270 OF THESE

MUST COME FROM THE A2 ASSESSMENT

UMS + GRADES

Case A - B grade in Yr12 – 220 UMS

270 UMS in Yr13 - This gives 490

UMS total and equates to A* GRADE even

though only B grade in Yr12

Case B – A grade in Yr12 – 250 UMS

250 UMS in Yr13 – This gives

500 UMS total but equates to A GRADE

because only 250 scored in Yr13.

Entry Requirements

B grade at GCSE Science and B grade at

GCSE Additional Science

B grade at GCSE Chemistry

Why Chemistry

Pursue and develop interest and enthusiasm

Increase knowledge and develop understanding

Role of Chemistry in wider scientific context

Chemistry contributions to society and the

economy

Careers

All Medical sciences

Medicine / Vet / Dentistry / Pharmacy / etc

Any Science career

Accountancy / Economics / Career where

academic subject is specified

Job Prospects

Excellent

Chemistry qualification highly recognised

RESULTS

AS 2011 A-5 B-1 C-3 D-5 E-4

AS 2012 A-2 B-6 C-1 D-2 E-2

AS 2013 A-2 B-4 C-5 D-6 E-1

A2 2011 A-5 B-4 C-3 D-3 E-1

A2 2012 A-3 B-2 C-3 D-0 E-2

A2 2013 A-2 B-3 C-2 D-3 E-2

SAMPLE QUESTION

1 This question is about a model of the structure of the

atom.

(a) A model used by chemists includes the relative

charges, the relative masses and the

distribution of the sub-atomic particles making up the atom.

Complete the table below. particle relative charge relative mass position within the atom

proton

neutron

electron 1/2000 shell

Sample Question Draw a ‘dot-and-cross’ diagram to show the bonding in

MgCl2. Show outer electrons only.

A compound containing magnesium, silicon and

oxygen is also present in rock types in Italy.

A sample of this compound weighing 5.27 g was

found to have the following composition by mass:

Mg, 1.82 g; Si, 1.05 g; O, 2.40 g.

Calculate the empirical formula of the compound.

Show your working.