Eduqas Chemistry for A Level Year 2: Student Bk

5 About this book MATHS An assessment of your mathematical skills is very important, this feature demonstrates some common uses of mathematics in chemistry. You are preparing for a chemistry examination not a maths exam, but it is still important to apply numerical analysis, and these features will help you to do so. Mathematical requirements are given in Appendix C, at the end of the specification course content. WORKING SCIENTIFICALLY In some cases it helps you to see how chemistry itself has evolved, the interaction between theory and experiments as well as their limitations. Science works by using theories and ideas, knowledge and understanding, IT and ICT and experimental investigations to obtain, analyse, interpret and evaluate data. Also by considering the applications of science, benefits, risks and ethical issues it evaluates how society may use science to inform decision making. A level Chemistry – a summary of assessment Assessment in the A level specification consists of two written papers of 2 hours 30 minutes each, with one paper for each of two components that are themselves 40% of the A level qualification. There are 120 marks available on each paper. In addition, practical work at A level is assessed through component 3. This consists of one hour 15 minute written chemistry in practice exam. This contributes 60 marks each and counts 20% of the marks towards the overall qualification. Component 1 deals with Physical and Inorganic Chemistry Component 2 deals with Organic Chemistry and Analysis Component 3 deals with the Practical aspects of chemistry Each of the papers in components 1 and 2 consists of Section A short answer questions (for 15 marks), and Section B structured and extended response answer questions. Section B questions are worth 105 marks. There are no multiple choice questions in these papers. Assessment objectives (AOs) and weightings Assessment objectives Examination questions are written to reflect the assessment objectives described in the specification. You must meet the following assessment objectives in the context of the subject content, which is given in detail in the specification. AO1 Covers showing knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the subject. AO2 Covers applying this knowledge and understanding theoretically, practically and qualitatively and quantitatively. AO3 Covers analysis, interpretation and evaluation of scientific information and evidence, making judgements, reaching conclusions and developing practical design and procedures. The weightings of these objectives – which are the same for components 1 and 2 – are as follows (for the whole A level qualification): AO1 – 12% (or for each paper 30%) AO2 – 18% (or for each paper 45%) AO3 – 10% (or for each paper 25%) For component 3 AO1 – 6.7% (or for this component 33.3%) AO2 – 6.7% (or for this component 33.3%) AO3 – 6.7% (or for this component 33.3%) Mathematical skills These will be tested across all three papers and have a total weighting of at least 20%. The skills include a range of level 2 skills, as well as some elements of level 3 mathematics, which include the use of logarithms. The specification lists these requirements in more detail. Practical work The course contains a series of set practical tasks that all candidates should undertake, and these lead to a practical endorsement separate from the final A level grade. The skills developed in practical work at A level are tested through component 3 and details of this are given later in the book.