Chemistry - AS

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2024 — 14 June 2025
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Chemistry AS Level programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, this course is also available as an evening class.

The aims of this AS Chemistry qualification are to encourage students to:

  • Develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for Chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in Chemistry
  • Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
  • Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works
  • Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry and how they relate to each other

What you will study

The course covers two units:

UNIT CH1 – Controlling and Using Chemical Changes (in order to make things, produce energy and solve environmental problems).

This unit begins with some important fundamental ideas about atoms and the use of the mole concept in calculations. 

Three key principles governing chemical change are then studied:

  • The position of equilibrium between reactants and products
  • The energy changes associated with a chemical reaction
  • The rate at which reactions take place

These principles are then applied to some important problems in the fields of chemical synthesis, obtaining energy and the maintenance of the environment.

UNIT CH2 - Properties, Structure and Bonding

This unit looks at:

  • Chemical bonding
  • Forces between molecules
  • Shapes of molecules
  • Solubility of compounds in water
  • The Periodic Table
  • Trends in properties of the elements
  • Organic compounds and their reactions

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirement Maths minimum B B in Chemistry Higher or BB in Double Award Science

Teaching and assessment

Two written exams and practical assessment

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2024

End date

14 June 2025

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ASCC3F43
L3

Qualification

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Chemistry
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What our students say

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at CAVC. I feel like it was definitely the right choice for me.  I really enjoyed the Scholars program - the amount of opportunities that were relayed to us were incredible, like going to a STEM competition hosted by a university."

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Studying A Levels in further Maths, Chemistry and Physics

Career prospects & further study

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Dentistry
  • Dietetics
  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Science
  • Geology
  • Medical Science
  • Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiotherapy

Need to know

A Levels

Scholars Programme

Gain the skills and support to succeed at top-level universities.
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Opportunities

CAVC offers lots of opportunities beyond your studies including a great enrichment programme and sporting opportunities.

Next steps

Find out more

Download a course guide for your area of interest.

Open Evenings

Visit us at one of ours sites, chat to tutors about your course of interest and see our great facilities for yourself.

Apply online

Applying to CAVC is easy and all online.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE