The CCEA GCE Chemistry specification encourages students to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how chemistry contributes to the success of the economy and society.

This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.

In the AS units, students build on their GCSE learning about physical and inorganic chemistry. They are also introduced to the basic concepts in organic chemistry. Students carry out prescribed practicals that allow them to develop their practical skills.

Students who continue to A2 develop their AS knowledge and progress to studying higher level concepts, equipping them to learn about analytical chemistry, transition metals, electrochemistry and organic nitrogen chemistry. Prescribed practicals are incorporated into the A2 content, enabling students to develop higher order practical skills.

The specification has six units:

• Unit AS 1: Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
• Unit AS 2: Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and an Introduction to Organic Chemistry
• Unit AS 3: Basic Practical Chemistry
• Unit A2 1: Further Physical and Organic Chemistry
• Unit A2 2: Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
• Unit A2 3: Further Practical Chemistry.