Why choose AS Level Chemistry?

Universities value learners who have a thorough understanding of key concepts in chemistry, an in-depth knowledge of chemistry’s most important themes and strong practical skills. AS Level Chemistry helps learners develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful university study.

Our learners also develop lifelong skills of scientific enquiry, confidence in technology, and communication and teamwork skills.

Key concepts

As a learner, you should refer to these concepts, again and again, to help unify the subject and make sense of it. If mastered, learners can use the concepts to solve problems or to understand unfamiliar subject-related material.

• Atoms and forces: Matter is built from atoms interacting and bonding through electrostatic forces. The structure of matter affects its physical and chemical properties, and influences how substances react chemically.
• Experiments and evidence: Chemists use evidence gained from observations and experiments to build models and theories of the structure and reactivity of materials.
• Patterns in chemical behaviour and reactions: By identifying patterns in chemical behaviour we can predict the properties of substances and how they can be transformed into new substances by chemical reactions. This allows us to design new materials of use to society.
• Chemical bonds: The understanding of how chemical bonds are made and broken by the movement of electrons allows us to predict patterns of reactivity.
• Energy changes: The energy changes that take place during chemical reactions can be used to predict both the extent and the rate of such reactions.

Candidates for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) certification take Papers 1, 2 and 3 (either Advanced Practical Skills 1 or Advanced Practical Skills 2) in a single examination series.

Paper 1 Multiple Choice 1 hour 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. [40 marks]

Paper 2 Structured Questions 1 hour 15 minutes This paper consists of a variable number of questions of variable mark value. All questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. [60 marks] 

Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills 2 hours 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. [40 marks]

Source: Go to Cambridge International for more information