Chemistry

One of the primary academic disciplines for secondary school students in the UK, chemistry is studied at a GCSE and A-Level stage. Chemistry is defined by experts as the branch of science that deals with the properties, compositions, and structures of elements and compounds. The periodic table of elements is memorized by pupils and they conduct experiments to see how elements change and the energy that is absorbed or released when modified. Chemistry is a worthwhile discipline of the sciences that everyone should know more about.

What are the 5 Types of Chemistry?

Similar to other academic disciplines, chemistry has many different subgenres or topics that are studied in extensive detail. For instance, according to many experts, there are 5 primary types of chemistry. Such as? In no particular order, the five major sections of chemistry are organic chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Secondary school students learn about all of these topics of chemistry at a glance. However, if they want to specialize in their knowledge, university courses are required.

GCSE Chemistry Curriculum

Before graduating high school, students must complete the GCSEs and get above-average grades on their examinations in specific subjects. While GCSE Science is a compulsory subject, GCSE Chemistry isn’t necessarily. However, it’s worth stating that for students who want to embark on a career in medicine, they are wise to choose GCSE Chemistry. But how is this course structured? While there are slight differences between exam boards, the main topics of GCSE Chemistry include atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, structure and the properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes, the rate and extent of chemical change, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, the chemistry of the atmosphere, using resources, and practical skills. All of the previously mentioned topics have subtopics that are explored during class time.

A-Level Chemistry Curriculum

After the GCSEs have been finished, students who want to continue their education and attend university courses must complete the A-Levels. In the UK, there are various exam boards that offer pupils the option to study A-Level chemistry such as Cambridge International, AQA, CIE, OCR, and Edexcel, to name a few. You can consult the websites of said examination boards to discover the class curriculum, past papers, mind maps, and interactive quizzes.

Is Learning Chemistry Hard?

At a GCSE or A-Level stage, there are some topics that are more complex and difficult to grasp than others. For instance, chemistry is one of them. But, why is chemistry so hard for high school students and adults to grasp? Firstly, chemistry is a vast subject that covers so many areas and this causes students to become overwhelmed from the get-go thinking that they have to remember and know everything on the topic. Secondly, chemistry uses a lot of maths. Therefore, if you haven’t mastered mathematics skills and built a solid foundation, you’ll struggle to learn chemistry effectively. Thirdly, chemistry has its own language. So, if you haven’t taken the time to learn 118 elements, the pile of new words, and the writing system of chemical equations, you’ll remain stagnant and just complain about how hard it is.

Tips to Learn Chemistry

Though you just might want to lament how difficult chemistry is, it’s worth pointing out that there are solutions to make studying chemistry more effective. Such as? Proven tips and suggestions from past learners and educators. Firstly, to master chemistry at a secondary school level, you need to spend a lot of time reviewing information before and after class time. By effectively reviewing, you’ll recall important concepts more rapidly. Secondly, it’s highly recommended to take full advantage of lab time when experimenting with the elements. This allows students a first-hand experience of how elements change. Thirdly, it’s a fantastic idea to switch your studying methods by joining a study group, using flashcards, and taking advantage of online resources such as YouTube videos.

In conclusion, chemistry is as much fun as you make it. If you want to enjoy yourself when learning about elements and how they change that’s your choice but you’ll be better off for it!