Why Study Chemistry A level

Why Study Chemistry A level

Why Study Chemistry A level by one of exam house tutors: Tutors and Exams

Chemistry derives from alchemy – those trying to produce gold from base metals – and still retains this magic.

As a subject now it ranges from drug discovery to renewable fuel technologies, making it the broadest and most exciting of the sciences. 

I first fell in love with chemistry in year 9, when I attended extra practical classes to extract the pure scent of a lemon, create beautiful inks to paint with, and much more.

The idea of being able to delve below the surface of what we see and beyond the superficial excited me. It seemed my limitless childhood questions of why everything happens could finally be answered, like a magician telling me all their secrets.

The creativity involved in chemistry is another thing which sets it apart from the other sciences. Once you get to university, you’ll understand how molecules react and use this knowledge to synthesise brand new molecules – perhaps even a new drug. I had the dilemma when choosing my A levels of not knowing whether to do arts or sciences alongside chemistry. In the end, I followed my head and chose to do 3 sciences and further maths as I was told this would help my future job prospects. To be fair, scientists are always in demand – you only have to look at the pandemic to realise how important they are!

A lot of advice on ‘what A levels should I choose?’ and ‘what should I study at university?’ is largely based on job prospects and your future career. However, I believe it should be purely on enjoyment. What subject is going to see you battling through the rain to a lecture theatre at 9am on a Thursday morning? What subject can you realistically see yourself spending 40 hours a week learning about? For me, it was always going to be chemistry.

 So, if you possess a mathematical and creative mind, why not choose chemistry? Go on, you know you want to.

Whether you are a private candidate teaching yourself or needing tuition. Get in touch with the Exam House.