Course overview
Open up a future in science with our AQA GCSE Chemistry.
If you are considering a future in healthcare or medicine, engineering, forensics or just interested in the subject, study our chemistry GCSE course and gain your fully recognised GCSE qualification.
Understand how atoms work, discover chemical changes and learn about chemical bonds!
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
You have 1 full year to complete your course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.
Entry requirements
You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on this course. This course is for students aiming to achieve grades 4-9.
If you are wishing to study towards grades 1-5 choose our GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier.
Pathways
- Chemistry A-Level
Course features
- Personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free XO Student Discounts card
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
Our Study Pack Option includes:
- Comprehensive study guide
- Open Study College pen and highlighter
- Student study planner
- Document wallet
Assessment
To achieve your GCSE Chemistry you will be assessed across all units by 2 paper-based exams.
A range of practical skills for this course will be assessed through written exams. Therefore, we strongly advise you to take your practical assessments and written exams.
If you add your exams, let us know when you are ready to take your exams and practicals and we will book these for you!
Please note: If you add on the exams, exams are to be taken at our Birmingham exam centre. You must make sure you are able to travel to this location. The practical sessions will be held during the Easter holidays.
Course outcome
Once you have studied the course and successfully passed the examinations, you will be awarded your AQA GCSE chemistry.
You will achieve grade between 4-9 with the higher tier paper. If you just fail to achieve grade 4, you will be awarded an allowed grade 3.
Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for an allowed grade 3 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.
For students wishing to study towards grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier course.
Exam details
Paper 1
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Weighting: 50% of GCSE
- Total Marks: 100
- Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
- Assessed: Units 1-5
Paper 2
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Weighting: 50% of GCSE
- Total Marks: 100
- Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
- Assessed: Units 6–10
Delivery
Study for your GCSE chemistry around your life commitments. Whether that’s alongside work, college or family – study at a pace that suits you.
Choose to study online or from a course pack. As long as you have your study materials, you can study wherever you want.
Tutor support is available through email, so help is only a click away!
Subjects
- Atoms, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotypes
- The periodic table
- Properties of transition metals
- Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic
- Bonding and structure and their relation to the properties of substance
- Structure and bonding of carbon
- Bulk and surface properties of matter
- Nanoparticles
- Chemical measurements, conservation of mass and the quantitative interpretation of chemical equations
- Amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances
- Yield and atom economy of chemical reactions
- Reactivity of metals
- Reactions of acids
- Electrolysis
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Chemical cells and fuel cells
- Rate of reaction
- Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium
- Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
- Reactions of alkenes and alcohols
- Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers
- Purity, formulations and chromatography
- Identification of common gases
- Identification of ions by chemical and spectroscopic means
- The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere
- Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
- Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources
- Using the Earth’s resources and sustainable development
- Life cycle assessment and recycling
- Using materials
- The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers
About Open Study College
At Open Study College we have helped more than 90,000 students over the last 13 years to enrol on courses that have helped them to achieve their goals.
Offering over 650 courses ranging from childcare to beauty therapy, we have something for everybody. All of our qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations to provide courses such as A-Levels, GCSEs, and CACHE.
We have a fantastic team of expert tutors, knowledgeable and friendly student advisors and a caring student support team. We’re dedicated to supporting our students and pride ourselves on our service and care. We’re also proud to be rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from over 1,500 reviews.
Family, respect and compassion are just some of the core values our company is built upon. Everyone’s lives are different and we want to ensure that no matter what your situation is, you’re able to get to where you need to. Whether that’s developing your current job, embarking on a brand new career, or fuelling a hobby, we have the course for you.
