AQA AS Chemistry specification (7404)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA AS 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 AS 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 AS Chemistry (7404) 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
This AS Chemistry course introduces students to fundamental chemical principles and the language of chemistry. It supports the development of conceptual understanding and practical skills through the study of atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, and chemical reactions. The specification promotes scientific enquiry, accurate measurement, and analytical thinking. Learners apply theory to real-world problems and laboratory contexts, preparing them for further study or careers in chemical sciences and related fields.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Physical chemistry
- Atomic structure: subatomic particles, isotopes, electron configuration
- Amount of substance: mole, empirical/molecular formula, reacting masses, gas volumes
- Bonding: ionic, covalent, metallic, intermolecular forces, bond polarity
- Energetics: exothermic/endothermic, enthalpy change, Hess’s law, bond enthalpies
- Kinetics: rate of reaction, collision theory, catalysts
- Chemical equilibria: reversible reactions, Le Chatelier’s principle, equilibrium constant (Kc)
- Redox reactions and oxidation numbers
3.2 Inorganic chemistry
- Periodicity: trends in properties across Period 3
- Group 2 elements: physical/chemical properties, reactions, uses
- Group 7 (halogens): trends, displacement reactions, tests for halide ions
3.3 Organic chemistry
- Introduction to organic chemistry: nomenclature, formulae, isomerism
- Alkanes: properties, reactions, combustion
- Halogenoalkanes: nucleophilic substitution, hydrolysis
- Alkenes: electrophilic addition, polymerisation
- Alcohols: oxidation, dehydration, reactions with sodium
- Organic analysis: test-tube reactions, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
- 1 hour 30 minutes written exam
- 80 marks, 50% of AS
- Mixture of multiple choice, short and long answer questions
- Topics: physical chemistry (3.1) and inorganic chemistry (3.2)
- Includes relevant practical skills
Paper 2: Organic and Physical Chemistry
- 1 hour 30 minutes written exam
- 80 marks, 50% of AS
- Mixture of multiple choice, short and long answer questions
- Topics: physical chemistry (3.1) and organic chemistry (3.3)
- Includes relevant practical skills
Assessment Notes
- No coursework; practical skills tested in written exams
- Mathematical skills embedded (minimum 10% of marks)
- Examinations use SI units and IUPAC nomenclature
Grading
- AS is a linear qualification assessed at the end of the course
- AS is separate from A-level assessment
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA AS 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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