What Topics Are Covered in AQA A Level Chemistry (7405)?
What Topics Are Covered in AQA A Level Chemistry (7405)?
Created:Updated: 17-September-2025
Studying AQA A Level Chemistry (7405)?
This specification covers a broad and rigorous set of topics across physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll study.
Physical Chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Amount of substance (moles, Avogadro, calculations)
- Bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic, intermolecular forces)
- Energetics (enthalpy changes, Hess’s Law, calorimetry)
- Kinetics (rates, collision theory, rate equations)
- Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle
- Redox reactions
- Thermodynamics (entropy, Gibbs free energy)
- Equilibrium constant (Kc, Kp)
- Electrochemistry (electrode potentials, cells)
- Acids and bases (pH calculations, Ka, buffers)
Inorganic Chemistry
- Periodic table and periodicity
- Group 2 (alkaline earth metals)
- Group 7 (the halogens)
- Properties of Period 3 elements and oxides
- Transition metals (complexes, ligands, variable oxidation states, redox)
- Reactions of ions in aqueous solution
Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to organic chemistry (formulae, isomerism, mechanisms)
- Alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes
- Alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic chemistry (benzene reactions)
- Amines, amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Polymers (addition and condensation)
- Organic synthesis pathways
- Analytical techniques: Mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, NMR
Assessment overview
The AQA A Level Chemistry (7405) course is assessed through three written papers:
- Paper 1: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry + relevant practical skills
- Paper 2: Physical and Organic Chemistry + relevant practical skills
- Paper 3: Any content + practical skills + multiple choice
See the official AQA Chemistry specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all exam boards cover the same topics?
No. AQA, Edexcel and OCR all follow Ofqual guidelines but emphasise slightly different areas and wording. Always check the correct specification.
Is A Level Chemistry more about memory or understanding?
Both. You need to recall reactions and definitions, but also apply concepts in problem-solving, calculations and unfamiliar contexts.
Are practicals included in the topics?
Yes. The required practicals are integrated across the specification and tested in written exams as well as through the Practical Endorsement.