AQA A Level Chemistry (7405)

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Introduction

AQA
A Level
Chemistry

AQA A Level Chemistry is a linear qualification assessed at the end of the two-year course. The specification is organised into Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, with the first-year content also forming the AS subject content.

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A Linear Qualification

AQA A Level Chemistry is assessed through three written papers taken at the end of the course. It is structured around specification code 7405 and uses the A*-E A Level grading scale.

Practical Endorsement

Students complete the required practical activities and develop practical competencies throughout the course. Practical understanding is assessed in the written papers, while the practical endorsement is reported separately.

AS Level Chemistry

AQA AS Chemistry is a separate standalone qualification. The AS content is drawn from the first-year A Level content across Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.

Paper 1 – Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry

Paper code: 7405/1
Written examination: 2 hours | 105 marks | 35% of total A Level

Assesses relevant Physical Chemistry topics, Inorganic Chemistry and relevant practical skills. This includes atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, equilibria, thermodynamics, acids and bases, periodicity, Group 2, Group 7, Period 3 and transition metals.

Paper 2 – Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

Paper code: 7405/2
Written examination: 2 hours | 105 marks | 35% of total A Level

Assesses relevant Physical Chemistry topics, Organic Chemistry and relevant practical skills. This includes amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, rate equations and the full organic chemistry sequence.

Paper 3 – Practical Skills, Data and Synoptic Chemistry

Paper code: 7405/3
Written examination: 2 hours | 90 marks | 30% of total A Level

Assesses any content from the specification and any practical skills. This paper includes practical technique, data handling, analysis, evaluation and synoptic problem solving across Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.

The Three Papers – How The A Level Is Assessed

The AQA A Level is assessed through three externally examined papers. Papers 1 and 2 divide the content by chemistry discipline, while Paper 3 draws across the full course and places a strong emphasis on practical skills, data interpretation and synoptic reasoning.

AQA Specification Pathway

AQA Chemistry is organised by discipline rather than Edexcel-style numbered topics. OLS course cards pool the relevant AQA specification references together so that students can study coherent course units while still seeing the exact AQA specification coverage.

3.1 Physical ChemistryAtomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, redox and further A Level physical chemistry.

3.2 Inorganic ChemistryPeriodicity, Group 2, Group 7, Period 3, transition metals and reactions of aqueous ions.

3.3 Organic ChemistryOrganic analysis, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carbonyls, polymers, synthesis and spectroscopy.

Study AQA Chemistry with OLS

OLS AQA courses are built around specification references, with structured revision notes, worked examples, exam-style practice and clear links between practical skills and written exam questions.

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AQA A Level Chemistry online virtual lesson with tutor

Full Qualification

Take the A Level if…

AQA A Level – 7405

You need chemistry for university entry, particularly for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, chemical engineering or related science degrees. The full A Level is the standard two-year qualification used for UK university admissions.

Standalone Award

Take the AS Level if…

AQA AS Level – 7404

You want a recognised one-year chemistry qualification without committing to the full A Level. The AS is a standalone qualification and does not contribute to the final A Level grade.

Watch a Chemistry Lesson Preview

See how OLS uses visual explanation, molecular models and specialist teacher commentary to support difficult A Level Chemistry topics.

Official Specification

The official AQA Chemistry specification covering subject content, assessment structure, mathematical requirements, practical skills and required practical activities.

AQA Chemistry Specification →

Past Papers & Mark Schemes

The official AQA assessment resources area, including exam papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for AQA A Level Chemistry.

AQA Past Papers →

Chemistry Reference Library

LibreTexts Chemistry is a free, open-access chemistry library covering a wide range of topics at A Level and beyond, useful for deeper reading and alternative explanations of difficult concepts.

LibreTexts Chemistry →

FAQ

The specification is organised into three main content areas: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. OLS uses these AQA specification references directly so students can revise by exact spec point.

There are three written papers: Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. Papers 1 and 2 are each worth 35% of the A Level, while Paper 3 is worth 30%.

No. AQA uses specification references such as 3.1.1 Atomic structure, 3.1.3 Bonding and 3.3.4 Alkenes. OLS course cards may pool several AQA references into a single course unit where that produces a clearer learning sequence.

Yes. Practical skills and data-handling are assessed across the written papers, especially Paper 3. Students also complete required practical activities during the course.

No. AQA AS Chemistry is a standalone qualification. It covers the first-year content but does not contribute to the final A Level grade.

AQA Chemistry includes substantial mathematical work, including moles, concentrations, energetics, equilibria, rates, logarithms, graph work and practical-data analysis. Students should be confident rearranging equations and interpreting quantitative data.