Is A-level chemistry hard?

One of the questions I get asked most when students are picking their A-level options or before starting the course is; “Is A-level chemistry hard?” Short answer, yes, but…..

A-level chemistry is consistently ranked in the top 3 of hardest A levels to study. The mathematical demand, abstract thinking and problem-solving rigour do make it challenging. However, it’s not all doom and gloom and there is plenty to get excited about, whether it’s using piecing together analytical clues like a lab-coat wearing Sherlock Holmes or getting to do organic chemistry breaking bad style (only legal drugs), A-level chemistry offers a course that combines both theoretical and practical elements which surpass just sitting in a classroom reading about a subject. If you are undecided, here is a short list to help you decide whether A-level chemistry might be the course for you.

Do you like a challenge?

If the answer is yes, then chemistry is certainly a good subject to pick. You learn content that is more advanced than GCSE but more importantly, there is a lot more application to it. Organic chemistry takes on a whole new dimension when you start looking at curly arrow mechanisms, you finally understand what electron configuration was trying to represent and you get to grips with how practical chemistry in the lab links to the theory you’ve been taught in the classroom. Some of these concepts are rather abstract but chemistry is brilliant for getting you to think in a new and critical way.

Do you enjoy practical subjects?

Chemistry is an experimental subject, well unless you’re a theoretical chemist…but we won't discuss that now. The great thing about chemistry and particularly A level is that there are mandated required practicals that you need to complete as part of this course. You get to use the fancy equipment that’s been hidden away from you since you started secondary school and develop a better understanding of the different experimental techniques, and the experimental applications of the three subsections of chemistry (organic, inorganic and physical). Rather than just watching a demonstration, you get involved in the planning and undertaking of experiments. Chemistry is also practical in the sense you learn by doing; problem-solving and applying your knowledge is a much better method for success in A-level chemistry than by making lots of beautiful notes and memorising (although these can be useful for definitions).

Hate writing essays?

Chemists are famous for writing as little as possible, we work in code, using symbols, numbers and arrows rather than words to explain what we mean. As a result, A-level chemistry doesn’t incorporate long essays into the syllabus. Whilst you might be expected to answer a 10-mark question, this will usually involve multiple equations, graphs or curly arrow mechanisms rather than long text.

Enjoy the subject? – not just the teacher

You may have had a fantastic GCSE chemistry teacher which has inspired you to take the subject to A-level which is brilliant – write that teacher a thank you card, they will love it! But make sure you are taking A-level chemistry because you like the subject and not because you like your teacher because unless your school can 100% guarantee that person will be teaching you, there is good chance you will be disappointed and resent picking the subject by October of your first term. This advice applies to any subject you take and it is definitely something to think about.

Are you comfortable with maths?

Are you good at maths? Taking A-level maths? Although this is certainly not a pre-requisite for taking A-level chemistry you will find it easier if you are confident with performing mathematical calculations. There are certain modules within the syllabus which are maths-heavy including amounts of substance, equilibrium, acids & bases, thermodynamics & rates. You will need to be comfortable rearranging equations, performing moles calculations, converting between units and performing simple algebra. In my opinion, this is no more advanced than GCSE Maths, so if you were able to get a 7 or above in GCSE maths you shouldn’t have any problems. If you are worried about your maths skill level, speak to your chemistry teacher for further advice.

Will chemistry take you to where you want to go?

I do hate that we are lowering the age that students need to think about their future and I certainly didn’t plan to be where I am now as a chemistry teacher back when I was 15 making these decisions. However, if you have an idea of where you are heading after school, whether that be to university, vocational apprenticeship or straight into work, it is worth thinking about whether chemistry will help to take you to where you want to go. If you have no plan, you love the subject and it is something that you would find interesting at an advanced level, then great pick chemistry. If you are a little more on the fence, consider what you might be interested in doing in later life. Fancied yourself as a doctor or vet, chemistry is mandatory to get into these courses so you will need to take it as one of your A-level subjects. If you are looking at a career in other STEM or closely related fields, chemistry could be a useful addition to complement your other A-level choices. If you've got no idea about what career you want to do or after some inspiration for degree courses, Prospects is a good place to start.

There are many things to consider when picking any subject, but if I could give any piece of advice, A-level chemistry is not a subject to be taken lightly, it can be great fun and addictively challenging but it can be extremely hard if you take it for the wrong reasons. Make sure you want to learn more about the subject and if you're in any doubt, speak to your teacher, I'm sure they will be able to give you some guidance.