AQA A Level Chemistry specification (7405)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Chemistry exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Chemistry specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Chemistry (7405) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA A-level Chemistry specification aims to provide students with a robust foundation in the principles and applications of chemistry. It fosters an understanding of the concepts, terminology and practical techniques that underpin the discipline, encouraging learners to apply their knowledge in both familiar and novel contexts. The course develops investigative and analytical skills, preparing students for higher education and careers in fields such as chemical engineering, medicine, pharmacology and environmental science. Emphasis is placed on scientific literacy, mathematical competence, and practical competency.
Subject content breakdown
1. Physical Chemistry
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Amount of substance and chemical calculations
- Bonding and energetics
- Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle
- Kinetics and rate equations
- Thermodynamics, electrochemical cells and redox
- Acids and bases, pH calculations
2. Inorganic Chemistry
- Periodicity and Group 2 elements
- Group 7 (halogens) and their redox behaviour
- Transition metals, complex ions and variable oxidation states
- Reactions of aqueous ions and ligand exchange
3. Organic Chemistry
- Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, haloalkanes
- Organic analysis: test-tube reactions and spectroscopy
- Aromatic chemistry and carbonyl compounds
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Amines, amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Polymerisation and modern organic synthesis
Required Practical Activities
- 12 core practicals integrated throughout the course
- Techniques include titration, distillation, chromatography, and analysis
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Inorganic and physical chemistry
- Relevant practical skills included
- 2 hours, 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
- Multiple choice, short and extended response questions
Paper 2
- Organic and physical chemistry
- Relevant practical skills included
- 2 hours, 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
- Multiple choice, short and extended response questions
Paper 3
- Any content and practical skills
- Includes data analysis and an extended synoptic question
- 2 hours, 90 marks
- 30% of A-level
- Structured and extended response questions
Practical Endorsement
- Assessed by teachers through 12 required practicals
- Reported separately as pass/fail
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level Chemistry isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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