Salter's AS/A-level

There is no set class text book provided. The nature of the course and units mean there is a 'text-book' built into the course.There are copies of specific text books issued by Salter's available to students for reference- Chemical Storylines and Chemical Ideas both published by Heinemann. Sets of the above books and many others together with up-to-date articles and periodicals are available from either the library, science resource centre or departmental staff.

AQA AS/A-level

A student may be provided with an appropriate text by their class teacher, these are mainly for student reference and do not form the basis for course coverage. Texts provided include:

• A-level Chemistry, 2^nd Edition, E.N. Ramsden, Stanley Thomas
• Chemistry in Context, 3^rd Edition, Nelson
• Chemistry (Advanced Science Series), Ann and Patrick Fullick, Heinemann
• Chemistry Core, Lyn Nicholls and Mary Ratcliffe, Collins Educational

Students are provided with booklets comprised of exercises and exam questions for each subsection in each module. These are used by teaching staff when appropriate.

There are a number of new texts and revision booklets that have been specifically written to match the new curriculum, which we are constantly reviewing. Students are made aware of these publications and can make purchases via the department.

For example:

The department has a set of 'Chemistry in Action' videos for use in lessons or by students when revising.

Various other videos are available, mainly from Horizon or QED programmes, for staff to use with groups when appropriate.

The department has a portable TV and video which can be moved into any of the labs when required.

Students can also view videos in the college library and a list of the relevant chemistry ones is given on the library handout.

There is a large chemistry section in the library, which is updated annually. In addition to this the library subscribes to New Scientist and the Chemistry Review which all students are encouraged to read. Due to the nature of the course the Salter's A-level students tend to use the library more and the librarian, Ros Moors has provided them with an information sheet. Students tend to use the CD-ROM, NERIS databank and other sections as well as the chemistry one, mainly when researching their individual investigation or planning a group presentation.

Lab Mouse 1 - Equilibria and Kinetics - Module 2 + 4 - BNFL
Lab Mouse 2 - Thermodynamics - Module 5 - BNFL
Lab Mouse 2 - Redox Equilibria - Module 5
Lab Mouse 2 - Quantitative Exercises - Module 1
Lab Mouse 3 - Nomenclature and Bonding - Module 3+4
Lab Mouse 3 - Mechanisms - Module 3+4
Lab Mouse 3 - Spectroscopy - Module 4

Chemistry AS Supports textbook - Collins
Support AQA Pack

Practical Chemistry Techniques - Disc 1 - Organic - ICI
Practical Chemistry Techniques - Disc 2 - Titrations

Revise A-level Chemistry - Revision notes and exam questions and answers - Europress

Our students also have access to the University library. This is arranged via Ros Moors with our library having a microfiche index of the University library.

There are currently four computers, plus a laser printer - within the department. These are situated in the chemistry work area outside the labs S8, S9, S10 and are accessible for student use from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm each day. In addition to this the chemistry students have access to five computers with a laser printer and scanner in the science resource area.

All students are encouraged to make use of the facilities in a variety of ways, eg

a) improve the presentation of their work

b) use of spreadsheets in calculations

c) producing handouts for group work

d) using one of our software programs eg IR spectra, CHEM/HAZCARDS.
(Further information on SSERC can be found on www.sserc.org.uk or specific information on the CD can be found on www.sserc.org.uk/public/HazCD/cd.htm)

e) intranet for student review

For the Salter's A-level students, the use of IT is an integral part of the course and help on the use of spreadsheets is provided by the IT department in the A1 year. Many also use a word processor when writing up their paper III report or individual investigation in the A2 year.

• A PowerPoint projector is based in S9 laboratory to allow the use of PowerPoint presentations during lessons

Extra Help/Lessons

The department offers enhancement sessions. These can take many forms and usually take place at lunchtime or after college on an individual or group basis. They are pitched at different levels for students who:

Students have access to exercises from

Sand castles and Mud huts: Comprehension activities for A level Chemistry. Jeffrey Hancock, Hodder & Stoughton (ISBN 0 340 543698). These are mainly aimed at students wishing to do extension work in preparation for exams and interviews.
(Published by Hodder & Stroughton Tel 020 7873 6000)
(View Acrobat Reader preview of example sheet)

Revision and Reinforcement Sheets

Exercises are available to students who wish to have further practice or information on topics covered in addition to class or home exercises. Exercises are taken from a number of sources:

• Assessment Tests for Chemistry, Chemcord
• Study Aids for Chemistry, ORCA Press
• ILPAC (2^nd edition) John Murray

The exercises are divided into appropriate syllabus and topic sections with the answers pasted on the lid.

As each module is covered, students are provided with a booklet containing five years of past papers. Mark schemes are also provided at an appropriate later stage.