Chemistry O'level

The study area SEC Chemistry is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). GSCE Chemistry is informed by Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Chemistry involves a dynamic and engaging study of the material world. It is a field of human endeavour based on the broad understanding of physical concepts and models, which are united by common procedural and intellectual processes. Chemistry and the work of chemists have a profound impact on the environment, quality of life and on social and cultural practices. 

Since chemistry is fundamental to our world, it plays a role in everyone’s lives and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way. Chemistry is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, as well as clean air, water, and soil. Chemical technologies enrich our quality of life in numerous ways by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials, and energy usage. Thus, studying chemistry is useful in preparing us for the real world.

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of how chemistry works and is communicated
• Describe and explain the properties of gases that may be found in air and how to prepare them in the lab
• Describe the solvent action of water including the impact of water hardness
• Describe the chemical properties of acids, bases and salts
• Describe the conduction of electricity through solutions and molten salts
• Describe the major groups of the periodic table including their physical and chemical properties
• Describe how substances dissolved in water can be identified and how their concentration can be measured
• Describe how different rocks contain important substances, their extraction, chemical nature, responsible use and environmental impact
• Describe how and why physical and chemical changes happen
• Perform quantitative calculations
• Investigate why and how chemical reactions proceed at different rates
• Describe dynamic equilibria and the conditions needed to shift a reaction in equilibrium
• Describe the chemical nature of crude oil and the substances obtained from it
• Distinguish different homologous series and their physical and chemical properties
• Describe the energy changes accompanying chemical changes