OCR A Level Chemistry B (Salters) specification (H433)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Chemistry B (Salters) 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 OCR A Level Chemistry B (Salters) 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 OCR A Level Chemistry B (Salters) (H433) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR A Level Chemistry B (Salters) specification (H433) takes a context-led approach, using storylines based on real-world and industrial applications to introduce and reinforce chemical concepts. The course aims to engage learners by presenting chemistry through contemporary issues, encouraging the development of scientific literacy, problem-solving and investigational skills. Practical work is integrated throughout and supports theoretical learning. Learners are expected to apply chemical ideas to unfamiliar contexts, build competence in laboratory skills, and develop confidence in interpreting scientific data and using appropriate terminology. The specification prepares students for progression to science-related degrees and careers:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating experiments
- Practical endorsement: competence in 12 assessed practicals
- Skills include measurement, titration, chromatography, use of apparatus
Storyline Modules: Elements of life (EL)
- Atomic structure, fusion, periodicity, bonding
- Ions, salts, titration, spectroscopy, group 2 chemistry
Developing fuels (DF)
- Thermochemistry, hydrocarbons, enthalpy cycles
- Cracking, alkenes, polymers, pollution, E/Z isomerism
Elements from the sea (ES)
- Halogen properties and reactions
- Electrolysis, redox, equilibrium, atom economy
The ozone story (OZ)
- Atmospheric chemistry, CFCs, UV absorption
- Rates, catalysts, haloalkanes, radical mechanisms
What’s in a medicine? (WM)
- Phenols, alcohols, esters, IR and MS
- Organic synthesis and green chemistry
The chemical industry (CI)
- Nitrogen chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium constants
- Industrial processes and sustainability
Polymers and life (PL)
- Amino acids, proteins, DNA/RNA structure
- Enzymes, molecular recognition, NMR
Oceans (O)
- Dissolution, lattice enthalpy, acid–base equilibria
- Buffers, greenhouse effect, entropy
Developing metals (DM)
- Redox titrations, cells, electrode potentials
- Transition metal chemistry, colorimetry
Colour by design (CD)
- Dyes, aromatic chemistry, azo compounds
- TLC, GLC, carbonyl reactions, organic mechanisms
Chemical Literacy (CL)
- Interpretation of texts, data extraction and written communication
- Assessed through comprehension tasks and extended responses:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Fundamentals of chemistry (Component 01)
- 2 hr 15 min, 110 marks (41%)
- Section A: Multiple choice (30 marks)
- Section B: Structured and extended response (80 marks)
- Assesses all teaching modules, with a mix of question types
Scientific literacy in chemistry (Component 02)
- 2 hr 15 min, 100 marks (37%)
- Includes 20–25 marks on pre-release Advance Notice article
- Assesses chemical literacy and content from all modules
Practical skills in chemistry (Component 03)
- 1 hr 30 min, 60 marks (22%)
- Focus on practical skills across the specification
- Includes data analysis, calculations, and short/long responses
Practical Endorsement in chemistry (Component 04)
- Non-examined, teacher-assessed
- Based on 12 assessed practicals
- Reported separately as Pass/Not Classified
Additional Notes
- All components include synoptic and extended response assessment
- Assessment objectives: AO1 (30–35%), AO2 (40–44%), AO3 (26–29%)
- 360 guided learning hours expected for full A level:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Chemistry B (Salters) 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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