KS5 Science
Learners who opt to take Biology, Chemistry or Physics at A Level follow the AQA specifications.
All three sciences have a substantial practical component - learners have to complete a number of assessed practicals as well as practicals in normal lessons.
Biology
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402
The core content of A Level Biology consists of eight modules:
1 Biological molecules
2 Cells
3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5 Energy transfers in and between organisms
6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8 The control of gene expression
Assessment is by three written papers each 2 hours long.
Biology 1 |
1 Biological molecules 2 Cells 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms |
Biology 2 |
5 Energy transfers in and between organisms 6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8 The control of gene expression |
Biology 3 |
1 Biological molecules 2 Cells 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 5 Energy transfers in and between organisms 6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8 The control of gene expression |
Chemistry
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/chemistry-7404-7405/specification-at-a-glance
The core content of A level Chemistry is broken down into Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
3.1 Physical chemistry
3.1.1 Atomic structure
3.1.2 Amount of substance
3.1.3 Bonding
3.1.4 Energetics
3.1.5 Kinetics
3.1.6 Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
3.1.8 Thermodynamics
3.1.9 Rate equations
3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
3.1.12 Acids and bases
3.2 Inorganic chemistry
3.2.1 Periodicity
3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens
3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
3.2.5 Transition metals
3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution
3.3 Organic chemistry
3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
3.3.2 Alkanes
3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
3.3.4 Alkenes
3.3.5 Alcohols
3.3.6 Organic analysis
3.3.7 Optical isomerism
3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones
3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives
3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry
3.3.11 Amines
3.3.12 Polymers
3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA
3.3.14 Organic synthesis
3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
3.3.16 Chromatography
Assessment is by three written papers each 2 hours long.
Chemistry 1 |
Relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.4, 3.1.6 to 3.1.8 and 3.1.10 to 3.1.12) Inorganic chemistry (section 3.2) Relevant practical skills |
Chemistry 2 |
Relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.2 to 3.1.6 and 3.1.9) Organic chemistry (section 3.3) Relevant practical skills |
Chemistry 3 |
Any content Any practical skills |
Physics
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408/specification-at-a-glance
The core content of A Level Physics consists of eight core options plus an elective module - turning points in Physics.
1 Measurements and their errors
2 Particles and radiation
3 Waves
4 Mechanics and materials
5 Electricity
6 Further mechanics and thermal physics
7 Fields and their consequences
8 Nuclear physics
12 Turning points in physics
Assessment is by three written papers each 2 hours long.
Physics 1 |
1 Measurements and their errors 2 Particles and radiation 3 Waves 4 Mechanics and materials 5 Electricity 6.1 Further Motion & Periodic Motion |
Physics 2 |
6.2 Thermal Physics 7 Fields and their consequences 8 Nuclear physics |
Physics 3 |
Practical Skills and Data Analysis Turning Points in Physics |