UK · Subject guide
Chemistry
A-Level Chemistry (AQA 7405), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
01 · Overview
Chemistry
A-Level Chemistry (AQA 7405), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
- Subject guide
- A-Levels
- Topics mapped
- 18
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Atomic structure
Sub-atomic particles, mass spectrometry, electron configuration and the arrangement of electrons in atoms.
- 02
Amount of substance
The mole, the Avogadro constant, molar calculations, empirical and molecular formulae, and ideal gas and reacting-quantity calculations.
- 03
Bonding
Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, intermolecular forces, electronegativity, molecular shapes and the properties of the different structures.
- 04
Energetics
Enthalpy changes, calorimetry, Hess's law and bond enthalpies used to determine reaction energy changes.
- 05
Kinetics
Collision theory, the effect of temperature, concentration and catalysts on reaction rate, and Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions.
- 06
Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier's principle and Kc
Dynamic equilibrium, factors affecting equilibrium position, the equilibrium constant Kc and its application to industrial processes.
- 07
Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
Oxidation states, identifying oxidation and reduction, and constructing balanced half-equations and overall redox equations.
- 08
Thermodynamics, rate equations and further equilibria (A-level)
Born-Haber cycles and entropy/free energy, rate equations and orders of reaction, Kp for homogeneous gas systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, and acid-base equilibria including pH and buffers.
- 09
Periodicity
Classification of elements in the Periodic Table and trends in physical and chemical properties across periods.
- 10
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
Trends in reactivity, solubility and reactions of the alkaline earth metals and their compounds.
- 11
Group 7(17), the halogens
Trends in the properties and reactivity of the halogens, their displacement reactions and uses of halide ions.
- 12
Period 3 elements, transition metals and reactions of ions in solution (A-level)
Reactions of Period 3 elements and their oxides, the chemistry of transition metals including complexes, colour, catalysis and variable oxidation states, and reactions of metal-aqua ions in aqueous solution.
- 13
Introduction to organic chemistry
Nomenclature, functional groups, isomerism, reaction mechanisms and the principles underpinning organic chemistry.
- 14
Alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes and alcohols
The structures, reactions and mechanisms of the core homologous series including substitution, elimination, addition and oxidation reactions.
- 15
Organic analysis
Identification of functional groups by test-tube reactions and the use of mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy to determine structure.
- 16
Optical isomerism, carbonyls, carboxylic acids and aromatic chemistry (A-level)
Optical isomerism, the chemistry of aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and the reactions of aromatic (benzene) compounds and amines.
- 17
Polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, and organic synthesis (A-level)
Addition and condensation polymers, the chemistry of amino acids, proteins, enzymes and DNA, and the design of multi-step synthetic routes.
- 18
NMR spectroscopy and chromatography (A-level)
Proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chromatographic techniques for separating and identifying substances.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Pathways and specifications
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
Nations and regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
2
Public references
UK · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.