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About AQA AS Level Chemistry
AQA AS Level Chemistry is code 7404, with a DfE discount code of 1110 and an accreditation number of 601/5730/6. It has two papers, both 1 hour 30 minutes long, both carrying 80 marks and both worth 50% of the AS. Each paper contains 65 marks of short and long answer questions and 15 marks of multiple choice questions, which is unusual among the sciences. The AS is graded on a five point scale of A, B, C, D and E.
The papers divide by branch of chemistry rather than by topic number. Paper 1 assesses physical chemistry sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.4, 3.1.6 and 3.1.7, plus inorganic chemistry sections 3.2.1 to 3.2.3. Paper 2 assesses physical chemistry sections 3.1.2 to 3.1.6, plus organic chemistry sections 3.3.1 to 3.3.6. So Paper 1 is the inorganic paper and Paper 2 the organic paper, and the physical chemistry in between is shared out unevenly.
Reading those two lists against each other produces a counterintuitive result. Atomic structure, 3.1.1, appears on Paper 1 only. Oxidation reduction and redox equations, 3.1.7, also appears on Paper 1 only. But kinetics, 3.1.5, appears on Paper 2 only. Amount of substance, bonding, energetics and equilibria all appear on both. So kinetics is examined on the organic paper, and atomic structure and redox are examined on the inorganic one.
The rest of the qualification has two floors built into it. AQA states that 20% of the overall assessment will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above, applied in the context of chemistry and at least to the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics. It also states that at least 15% of the marks will require the assessment of practical skills, and that the 6 required practical activities must be carried out by all students even though the practical endorsement does not apply to the AS. If you want to see how AS Level Chemistry compares across boards, that page sets them side by side.
Who AQA AS Level Chemistry Is For
This course suits Year 12 students sitting AQA AS Level Chemistry 7404 who need the inorganic and organic papers prepared separately, with the physical chemistry topics mapped to the right paper and the maths and practical marks treated as real marks.
- Year 12 students sitting AQA AS Level Chemistry 7404 at the end of the year
- Students who assume kinetics is on the inorganic paper and revise it for the wrong exam
- Students who lose marks on the 20% of each paper that requires mathematical skills
- Students who have skipped the 6 required practical activities and are relying on notes
- Private candidates based in the UK, since the specification is open to them but practicals are examined in writing
AQA AS Level Chemistry: The Board We Cover
AQA is the board this page covers. Every fact here comes from AQA's own 7404 specification.
AQA
AQA's AS Level Chemistry is code 7404: two 1 hour 30 minute papers of 80 marks, with 15 marks of multiple choice on each. Paper 1 is inorganic and Paper 2 organic, with physical chemistry shared out unevenly, so kinetics sits on Paper 2 alone.
How Centaurus Helps AQA AS Level Chemistry Students Excel
Inorganic and Organic Prepared Separately
Paper 1 assesses inorganic chemistry and Paper 2 assesses organic chemistry, so each is taught with its own question styles and its own revision cycle.
Physical Chemistry Mapped to the Right Paper
Atomic structure and redox are Paper 1 only, kinetics is Paper 2 only, so every physical topic is tied to the paper that actually examines it.
The 20% Maths Floor Targeted
A fifth of the marks require mathematical skills at Level 2 or above, so mole calculations, titrations, energetics and graph work are drilled as assessed content.
Multiple Choice Practised Properly
Fifteen of the 80 marks on each paper are multiple choice, so definitions and quick eliminations are rehearsed rather than left to chance.
Practical Skills Written Up
The practical endorsement does not apply at AS, but 15% of the marks relate to practical work, so the 6 required activities are written up as exam content.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AQA AS Level Chemistry support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
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I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
AQA AS Level Chemistry: Frequently Asked Questions
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