Should I Study GCSE Chemistry?

Studying GCSE Chemistry can open up a whole world of opportunities to delve deeper into the substances that matter is composed of and allow you to investigate the reactions and properties of these substances. You will have the exciting opportunity to look closely at the very molecules, atoms, and ions of life.

Completing study in Chemistry will help to provide you with further knowledge of the core principles of Chemistry and how it has changed our understanding of the world around us. You will focus on different types of chemistry and how to apply these in experiments you can undertake in future to make new and ground-breaking discoveries.

After completing GCSE Chemistry, you could go on to work alongside pioneers in the industry, supporting them in making new discoveries and possibly even creating new substances.

Additional studies in Chemistry could lead to working closely with a range of the world’s most brilliant minds. It could lead to a range of thrilling future opportunities; the possibilities are vast. Whether it is a toxicologist, looking closely at specific toxins and the potential effects and risks of them or entering into the world of forensic science, using your skills and knowledge to help collect evidence from crime scenes and solve crimes, you will be making huge impacts in any field you choose.  It all begins with GCSE Chemistry…

Chemistry gives an in-depth view of a range of chemistry concepts, looking closely at both organic and inorganic chemical processes, helping you to gain a better understanding of these. You will learn about the key concepts in Chemistry and gain a vast knowledge of the principles of chemistry, supplying you with the right building blocks for your future.

The topics covered in this course will include:

Principles of Chemistry 1

Throughout this unit, you will start exploring the principles of Chemistry, focusing on the basic building blocks for different chemical elements. You will investigate the elementary structure of things found in nature and the different ways in which atoms can be made.

Principles of Chemistry 2

This unit will delve a bit deeper into the principles of Chemistry than the previous unit, looking closely at the ways in which different chemical elements can be combined.

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry looks closely at the different behaviours and properties of different inorganic compounds, e.g. metal, mineral etc.

In this unit, you will look at the different groups of elements found in the periodic table. You will look at the similarities, differences, and trends found in their physical and chemical properties and explore chemical tests that can be done to identify different substances. The nature and behaviour of acids and alkalis will also be covered, including the formation of salts.

Physical Chemistry

Physical chemistry is studying the external factors that impact the speed and extent of chemical reactions that occur. External factors could be changes in temperature of the system and surroundings, the use of catalysts etc.

Throughout this unit, you will investigate the effects of changes to these factors on rate of reaction. You will also look closely at energetics, rates of reaction and reversible reactions, and equilibria.

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds. It looks at the structure, composition, reactions, properties, and preparation of these.

This unit focuses on the study of the functional groups in different families of carbon compounds, alongside their importance and uses in the industry. You will also look at the following: Crude oil, Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Esters and Synthetic polymers.

Why study GCSE Chemistry?

A Chemistry GCSE will not lead you to work in Chemistry related fields, however, it is a great first step towards future study and will provide you with the correct foundations and knowledge to progress further, having developed the skills needed to apply to the profession of your choice.

If you are interested in starting a career in Chemistry and progress your study in this subject, you can go on to choose from a selection of rewarding and exciting careers, such as:

• Academic researcher
• Analytical chemist
• Biotechnologist
• Chemical engineer
• Clinical scientist, biochemistry
• Forensic scientist
• Nanotechnologist
• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist (physical sciences)
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Toxicologist

If you decide that you wish to follow in a career in teaching Chemistry and choose to share your own knowledge and experiences with others, then this could be a rewarding route to take.
To apply for a job as a secondary school Chemistry teacher, an undergraduate degree in Chemistry in university will be needed, before going on to complete a PGCE course to become fully qualified.

Starting with studying GCSE Chemistry is a superb way to begin pursuing a learning experience in this field of study.

Taking a GCSE at home

As an adult learner, you will no doubt already have a busy schedule, leading it to be a more challenging task to fit in further study in day-to-day life.

When you enrol with a distance learning college, you have the opportunity to further your education, whilst not having a large effect on your everyday life. This enables you to not have to make many changes to your current routine to fit in the studying you need to do.

Studying with a distance learning college can provide you with the opportunity to consider your own needs and fit in your studying at your own pace and level. It gives you full control of the learning experience, ensuring it is a more enjoyable experience for you.

The GCSEs we offer as a college are fully regulated by Ofqual, a non-ministerial government agency. This agency will make sure that the GCSEs we offer meet the correct and same requirements as other colleges that also provide these, including physical colleges.

Learning materials that you need to complete the course are released to you the moment you enrol on the course, giving you the opportunity to make a start straight way.

The course will need to be completed within one year from enrolment and you can choose to do this quicker if you wish, or you can take advantage of the whole year, the choice is yours.

Although distance learning is more of an independent style of learning, you will be given an expert tutor, who is there to give guidance and support throughout your course. They will be able to advise and give feedback on the assignments that you submit, to help to make improvements and further your learning.

Taking the initial step of studying GCSE Chemistry, is an exciting opportunity to further your knowledge and progress into a rewarding career in your future, all whilst enjoying the comfort of learning at home.

Get in touch with our Course Advisors to enrol, and start your future today!