The Larmor Society

IA Chemistry

Chemistry is the most popular IA subject, because a lot of people think that it bridges the gap between the Physical and Biological subjects. You'll study Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy, Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Inorganic Chemistry. In other parts of this guide you'll hear a lot about the different Maths courses, and whilst Chemistry is nowhere near as mathematical as Physics, there's a fair bit of calculus in Thermodynamics and Kinetics in the Lent term. This can lead to problems for people doing Quantitative Biology or Elementary Mathematics for Biologists, or people without Maths A-level. There's nothing to stop you taking it, it’s just that it might mean a bit more work!

The practicals are all assessed (apart from the first one in Michaelmas) and the marks count for 20% of your final total in Chemistry at the end of IA. The practicals are once a fortnight in the Chemistry department, from 11am-5pm with an hour for lunch. You have to do the practical and write it up in the lab, although normally you'll be out before 3pm. You'll work alone in Michaelmas doing some organic synthesis, then join up into pairs in Lent and Easter for some Physical and Inorganic experiments.

Subjects that go with Chemistry:

Just about anything really. All of the Physical subjects work well with IA Chemistry, but there's hardly any biological material in IA Chemistry at all. Some of the Bio Natscis argue that you'd be better off taking all three Biological options in IA to build a more solid biological background for IB, as you won't need IA Chemistry for IB Pharmacology, Pathology or Biochemistry.

On the other hand, if you're not sure what you want to do in IB, Chemistry in IA at least gives you the option to escape from Biological subjects in IB if you have a change of heart. It might also be useful for understanding some of the more complex biochemistry in Biology of Cells (although again this is debatable).

Which textbooks?

The notes are normally more than adequate for IA Chemistry, but some of the following can come in handy.

A good book by James Keeler and Peter Wothers (who will both lecture you in IA) is 'Why Chemical Reactions Happen,' which is a paperback that summarises the IA course in a very chatty way. 'Organic Chemistry' by Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers is a monster of a book, which goes way beyond what is needed for IA but is written in an informal style and is very readable. It covers a lot of the Michaelmas term's course very well. Both of these are available at discounted prices from the Chemistry department, so don't waste your money on the high street.