A-Level Chemistry Practical Endorsement Course

The A-level Chemistry Practical Endorsement course at BioGrad Education comprises a minimum of 12 experiments, carefully chosen to enable students to demonstrate their competency in each of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). Key to Chemistry is the ability to identify unknown compounds, and several experiments are focused towards the characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds. The preparations of organic solids and liquids involve the use of reflux and distillation apparatus, recrystallisation and aqueous work up purification steps, followed by analysis using thin layer chromatography. Standard titration and gas collection techniques are the foundation of determining unknown concentrations and relative formula masses, whilst the rates investigations give ample opportunity for students to process and display data using ICT. The determination of the mass of iron ions in iron tablets by redox titration allows our learners to suggest how many tablets a person with anaemia may be advised to take to treat their condition.

The course is as much a learning experience as an assessment. The aim is for the student to improve their general approach and practical skills over the course of the week and to provide a tangible framework upon which preparations for A-level can be firmly secured.

Practical 1 – Determination of the relative atomic mass of magnesium.

Practical 2 – Determination of concentration of hydrochloric acid.

Practical 3 – Determination of an enthalpy change of reaction by Hess’ Law.

Practical 4 – Identifying unknowns.

Practical 5 – Preparation of an ester.

Practical 6 – Preparation of benzoic acid.

Practical 7 – Identifying organic unknowns.

Practical 8 – Electrochemical cells.

Practical 9 – Rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Practical 10 – Rates – Iodine Clock.

Practical 11 – pH – titration curves.

Practical 12 – The iodometric determination of copper in brass.

• Students must be studying an England A-level Chemistry qualification with AQA, Eduqas, Pearson Edexcel and OCR.
• This is an intensive practical course designed for students to 'fast track' the A-level practical skills assessment required for the Practical Endorsement. This course contains a number of opportunities to access each of the assessed practical techniques, and CPAC.
• If the student has experienced minimal practical work opportunities before studying A-level Chemistry , BioGrad Education recommends they consider the 1- day introduction to laboratory skills course. This course also offers the change to gain vital skills required to be successful going forward.