Oxford AQA International AS Chemistry specification (9621)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International 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 Oxford AQA International 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 Oxford AQA International AS Chemistry (9621) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International AS Level in Chemistry introduces students to the essential principles, concepts and language of chemistry through practical and theoretical learning. It builds foundational knowledge across physical, inorganic and organic chemistry while developing key scientific skills such as observation, analysis and evaluation. The course encourages learners to explore real-world applications and understand the impact of chemistry on society, health and the environment. It supports further study in science and prepares students for laboratory-based disciplines.
Subject content breakdown
1. Physical chemistry 1
- Atomic structure, mass number and isotopes
- Ionisation energy and electronic configuration
- Relative atomic and molecular masses
- Empirical and molecular formulae
- Balanced equations and ionic equations
- Amount of substance, moles and gas laws
- Concentration and percentage yield
- Enthalpy changes and calorimetry
- Bond enthalpies and Hess’s Law
2. Inorganic chemistry 1
- The Periodic Table and periodicity
- Trends in Groups 2 and 7
- Reactions of elements and their compounds
- Displacement and redox reactions
- Tests for anions and cations
3. Organic chemistry 1
- Introduction to organic formulae and isomerism
- Alkanes and combustion
- Alkenes: structure, addition reactions and polymerisation
- Halogenoalkanes: nucleophilic substitution and hydrolysis
- Alcohols: production and oxidation
- Infrared spectroscopy
4. Practical skills 1
- Experimental planning and safety
- Data analysis, accuracy and precision
- Identifying variables and evaluating results
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Inorganic and physical chemistry
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- Short and extended answer questions
- Includes data interpretation and calculations
- 50% of AS Level
Paper 2: Organic and physical chemistry
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- Covers organic chemistry and practical-based scenarios
- Includes practical techniques and apparatus
50% of AS Level
- No coursework or practical assessment
- AS is a standalone qualification (not part of A Level)
- Exams available January and June
- Grading: A–E
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International 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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