GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier

GCSEs are recognised qualifications that are often a gateway to further learning. GCSEs are one of the most popular and sought after level 2 qualifications in the UK. Core subjects consist of mathematics, English and science, and are key requirements for many jobs and entry to further levels of study. We offer a range of online GCSEs, including this GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier qualification awarded by AQA. Chemistry is a branch of science and in our GCSE Chemistry course, you will study the subject of matter, the substances that form matter and their properties and reactions, as well as the elements of the Earth and its atmosphere. If you are considering a future in healthcare or medicine, engineering, forensics or just interested in the subject, study our online chemistry GCSE course and gain a fully recognised GCSE qualification. Please note, the higher tier course will award grades of between 4-9. 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. Please see our foundation tier course for grades between 1-5.

Course Content

Unit 1 Atomic structure and the periodic table

• Atoms, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotypes
• The periodic table
• Properties of transition metals

Unit 2 Bonding, structure and the properties of matter

• 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
• Nano particles

Unit 3 Quantitative chemistry

• 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

Unit 4 Chemical changes

• Reactivity of metals
• Reactions of acids
• Electrolysis

Unit 5 Energy changes

• Exothermic and endothermic reactions
• Chemical cells and fuel cells

Unit 6 The rate and extent of chemical change

• Rate of reaction
• Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium

Unit 7 Organic chemistry

• Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
• Reactions of alkenes and alcohols
• Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers

Unit 8 Chemical analysis

• Purity, formulations and chromatography
• Identification of common gases
• Identification of ions by chemical and spectroscopic means

Unit 9 Chemistry of the atmosphere

• The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
• Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources

Unit 10 Using resources

• Using the Earth’s resources and sustainable development
• Life cycle assessment and recycling
• Using materials
• The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers