Chemistry A' level

The study area AM (Advanced) Chemistry is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). The Edexcel International A’Level Chemistry is informed by Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Chemistry is not only a subject of academic study that has engaged scholars worldwide for centuries but also its products and processes have indeed enabled the very existence of societies and allowed their development. It is a central science, which informs several other disciplines including biology, medicine, materials science, agricultural science and others. Chemical warfare and pollution of the environment as well as drug abuse, adulteration of food and similar examples of misuse, or improper use, or disposal of chemicals often cast shadows on this scientific enterprise and generate mistrust of chemicals by the public. 

The main purpose of this syllabus is to impart a proper understanding of the core principles and unifying ideas of chemical science, supported and illustrated by a significant body of essential factual knowledge that should help students acquire a meaningful experience of chemistry to serve them adequately in their future studies. The syllabus also provides an opportunity for learners to become properly acquainted with this important science in order for them to be able to better appraise both the opportunities and the challenges, which chemistry and its products present to society

The syllabus for Chemistry at this level assumes and builds on knowledge of the subject at a level that is equivalent to that covered by the Secondary Education Certificate syllabus. Individual attention is to be provided to those students pursuing A’Level without an O’Level.

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• explain the structure of an atom and investigate differences between different atoms
• explain different types of bonding, why they exist and how to investigate them
• explain the Kinetic theory of gases with respect to ideal and real gases
• apply the mole concept in calculations
• show an understanding of enthalpy changes, entropy and Gibbs free energy
• show an understanding of one-component systems, two-component systems, distillation, and osmosis
• show an understanding of the concept of chemical equilibrium
• show an understanding of the concept of homogenous and heterogeneous ionic equilibria
• show an understanding of what happens during redox reactions, their feasibility and possible applications of these reactions
• show an understanding of the rate of a chemical reaction and the different factors that influence it
• show an understanding of the periodic relationships amongst period 3 elements and their compounds
• show an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of a number of inorganic elements and their compounds
• show an understanding of the structure and properties of different organic molecules
• show an understanding of the properties, preparation and reactions of a number of organic compounds
• show an understanding of various purification techniques and the structure of molecules deduced from spectroscopic data
• use chemicals and simple apparatus in quantitative and qualitative exercises, observe and record results of experimental work, interpret these observations and deduce correct inferences based on both qualitative and quantitative data.