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  • Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)

Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. 

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry is ideal for learners who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

  • 2022-2024 Syllabus (PDF, 3MB)
    • 2022-2024 Syllabus update (PDF, 199KB)
  • 2025 - 2027 Syllabus (PDF, 3MB)

Syllabus support

  • Managing science practicals (PDF, 71KB)
  • Practical science factsheet (PDF, 373KB)

Syllabus updates

  • Summary of the changes
    • We revise qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and that they are up-to-date with current thinking. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials to improve the clarity and consistency between Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

      How has the syllabus changed?

      To make it easier for teachers to understand what's required, we have:

      • updated the learning outcomes, providing clarity on the depth to which each topic should be taught. Although the wording will look different in many places, the teaching content remains largely the same
      • removed and added topics, and moved some content from AS to A Level and vice versa; but the teaching time still falls within the recommended guided learning hours
      • numbered the learning outcomes rather than listed by letters
      • shortened the syllabus aims and revised the assessment objectives (these changes do not change their meaning or focus)
      • updated the list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what's expected of them in the exam

      The Data booklet will no longer be provided with Papers 1, 2 and 4. Where data are required these will be provided in the question. All papers will contain a data table of commonly used constants and a Periodic Table. The syllabus includes a Data section.

      How has the assessment changed?

      • Paper 1 Multiple Choice: revised question style so that questions in Section B have become standard, four-option multiple choice questions.
      • Paper 1 Multiple Choice: duration increased by 15 minutes to allow for further reading time.

      When do these changes take place?

      The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2022 onwards. Examinations are available in March 2022 for India only. Please see the 2022-2024 syllabus above for full details.

  • Teaching and learning resources
    • Support

      We have a comprehensive range of materials to help you teach the 2022-2024 syllabus including:

      • Scheme of work
      • Learner guide
      • Next Steps guide
      • Resource Plus.

      These materials are available on our School Support Hub.

      Training

      Sign up for our online Introductory training from June 2020 and online Extension Training from September 2021 (both online).

      Endorsed resources


      View supporting resources for Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701).

      Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (Hodder)

      Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (Hodder)

      Confidently navigate the Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) syllabus with a structured approach ensuring that the link between theory and practice is consolidated, scientific skills are applied, and analytical skills developed.

      Read more on the Hodder website

      Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (Collins)

      Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (Collins)

      Deepen students' understanding and evaluate learning with regular questions and practical activities. This course provides regular opportunities to draw connections between topics.

      Read more on the Collins website

      Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (Cambridge University Press)

      Chemistry for Cambridge International AS & A Level (Cambridge University Press)

      These new editions meet the real teaching needs of the science classroom. With specialist features, your learners will benefit from language support and skills development, as well as comprehensive guidance for practical work.


      Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Subscribe to syllabus updates

Important notices

  • Grade descriptions
    • For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.

      Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

Teaching tools

Resource Plus

Use our videos and teaching materials to deliver engaging lessons and explain challenging topics and skills to your learners.

Learn more

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