While chemistry is in large part a practical subject, there is much you can do to explore the subject matter further at home. The following recommendations allow you to deepen your understanding and follow a thread that might not be well covered in the A-Level syllabus. Supercurricular work will be helpful for you UCAS application, but that should not be the main motivation. It is more impressive when a student evidences genuine passion rather than merely goes through the motions of it.
1. Listen to podcasts to extend your scientific literacy
- : Weekly episodes from the Royal Society of Chemistry, journeying through the Periodic Table.
- : Interviews and discussions on current Chemistry news.
- BBC Radio 4 shares the latest news from the science world.
- : BBC Radio 4 interviews with leading scientists about their life and work.
- Lighthearted chats about scientific research, with the creators of the SciShow YouTube channel.
- Comedic panel programme hosted by Brian Cox looking at bizarre science questions with scientists and celebrity guests.
- Popular public lectures for the very latest knowledge.
2. Subscribe to Chemistry YouTube channels
- : A graduate Chemistry technician creates engaging experiment videos. Nearly 10 million subscribers!
- : Short explainer videos for each element on the Periodic Table.
- : Primers on the chemistry behind everyday phenomena, from the American Chemical Society.
- : Systematically annotated walkthroughs of general and organic concepts and their related problems.
- : Concise interdisciplinary explanations from Chemistry topics to ‘everything around you’.
3. Read for wider understanding
- Imperial College London have gathered a thoughtful list of recommended readings from their own students and staff. See their explanations , and some of the standout choices below:
- by Peter Atkins (2015): An achievable read covering the scope, concepts and impact of Chemistry.
- by Mark Miodownik (2013): Reveals the wonder of everyday materials like steel, glass and graphene through personal stories and engaging narratives.
- by Sam Kean (2010): Fascinating stories connected with elements of the Periodic Table.
- by Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson (1991): Surprising effect of chemical effects on exploration, invasion and progress.
- by Oliver Sacks (2002): An autobiographical account of how this famous scientist found solace in learning and developed his intellectual curiosity for Chemistry through school.
- by High Aldersey-Williams (2011): The behaviour, use, cultural impact and history of the elements told from a personal angle.
4. Take online courses for academic depth
A comprehensive list of ‘massive open online courses’ (or MOOCs) for Chemistry can be found . Most of them dig into particular niches that may interest you but would be too numerous to list individually. Start with the two recommendations below, and then browse the others at your leisure.
- : Recommended for the transition from A-Level towards university study.
- : Course for non-experts on Chemistry concepts as a preparation for further study.
5. Enter a competition to inspire your motivation
- : Take your creativity and problem solving skills to their maximum. Starting with a written test and then proceeding to further rounds of practical demonstrations and theory exams.
6. Find Chemistry inspiration online
- : News, features and puzzles.
- : Website of this monthly magazine from the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
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