OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432)

Revision Notes by Specification Reference

Select a specification section to access structured OCR revision notes, practical links and exam practice as pages are released.

Introduction

OCR A
A Level
Chemistry

OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) is a linear qualification assessed at the end of the two-year course. The content is organised into six modules: practical skills, foundations in chemistry, the periodic table and energy, core organic chemistry, physical chemistry and transition elements, and organic chemistry and analysis. Modules 1 to 4 also form the AS Level (H032).

A Linear Qualification

OCR A Level Chemistry A is assessed through three written papers taken at the end of the course. It is structured around specification code H432 and uses the A*-E A Level grading scale.

Practical Endorsement

Students complete a minimum of 12 practical activity groups (PAGs) and develop practical competencies throughout the course. Module 1 practical skills are assessed in the written papers, while the Practical Endorsement in Chemistry (H432/04) is reported separately as a pass.

AS Level Chemistry

OCR AS Level Chemistry A (H032) is a separate standalone qualification. The AS content is Modules 1 to 4 of the A Level and is assessed by two written papers.

The Three Papers – How The A Level Is Assessed

The OCR A Level is assessed through three externally examined papers. Papers 1 and 2 divide the content by module, while Paper 3 draws across all six modules and places a strong emphasis on synoptic reasoning and practical skills.

Paper 1 – Periodic Table, Elements, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

Paper code: H432/01
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes | 100 marks | 37% of total A Level

Assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. This includes atomic structure, amount of substance, acids, redox, bonding and structure, periodicity, Group 2, the halogens, enthalpy, rates, equilibrium, lattice enthalpy, entropy, electrode potentials and transition elements.

Paper 2 – Synthesis and Analytical Techniques

Paper code: H432/02
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes | 100 marks | 37% of total A Level

Assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. This includes basic organic concepts, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, haloalkanes, organic synthesis, analytical techniques, aromatic compounds, carbonyls, carboxylic acids, amines, amino acids, polymers, and NMR spectroscopy and chromatography.

Paper 3 – Unified Chemistry

Paper code: H432/03
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes | 70 marks | 26% of total A Level

Assesses content from all six modules. This paper draws the course together with synoptic questions, extended response and practical-based questions across physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.

OCR Specification Pathway

OCR Chemistry A is organised into modules and numbered sections rather than Edexcel-style numbered topics.

Modules 2 and 3 – Foundations, Periodic Table and EnergyAtomic structure, amount of substance, acids, redox, electron structure, bonding, periodicity, Group 2, the halogens, enthalpy changes, reaction rates and equilibrium.

Modules 4 and 6 – Organic Chemistry and AnalysisBasic concepts, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, haloalkanes, synthesis, analytical techniques, aromatic compounds, carbonyls, acids, amines, polymers, chromatography and spectroscopy.

Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition ElementsRates, equilibrium, acids, bases and buffers, lattice enthalpy, entropy, redox and electrode potentials, transition elements and qualitative analysis.

Full Qualification

Take the A Level if…

OCR A Level Chemistry A – H432

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…

OCR AS Level Chemistry A – H032

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 OCR A Level Chemistry A specification covering the six modules, assessment structure, mathematical requirements and the practical endorsement.

OCR Chemistry A Specification →

Past Papers & Mark Schemes

The official OCR past papers area, including exam papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for OCR A Level Chemistry A.

OCR 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 six modules, each divided into numbered sections such as 2.1.3 Amount of substance or 4.1.3 Alkenes, with lettered learning outcomes inside each section. OLS uses these OCR section references directly so students can revise by exact learning outcome.

There are three written papers: Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. Papers 1 and 2 are each worth 37% of the A Level, while Paper 3 is worth 26%.

No. OCR uses module and section references such as 2.1.1 Atomic structure and isotopes, 3.2.1 Enthalpy changes and 4.1.3 Alkenes, with learning outcomes labelled (a), (b), (c) and so on.

Yes. Module 1 practical skills are assessed across all three written papers. Students also complete practical activity groups (PAGs) during the course for the separately reported Practical Endorsement.

No. OCR AS Level Chemistry A (H032) is a standalone qualification. It covers Modules 1 to 4 but does not contribute to the final A Level grade.

OCR Chemistry A includes substantial mathematical work: at least 20% of the marks assess mathematics at Level 2 or above, covering moles, concentrations, energetics, equilibria, rates, logarithms, graph work and practical-data analysis. Students should be confident rearranging equations and interpreting quantitative data.