
GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier
Course Codes
OSC1377 / OSC1378

Achieve a GCSE in Foundation Tier Chemistry with this distance learning course from Open Study College. With our online GCSEs you can gain an official qualification whilst studying at your own pace, in your own time where ever suits you. If you enrol on a package we'll even book your exams and practical assessments for you!
- Achieve a fully recognised AQA Chemistry GCSE Foundation Tier – exactly the same qualification as school or college
- Achieve between grades 1-5 with foundation tier
- Explore the wonder of chemistry in the science world
- Understand chemical bonding, atomic structure and energy changes
- Discover the periodic table of elements
- Choose to study online or from course pack
- Study at your own pace, in your own environment
- Enrol on 'exams + practicals' to include the cost of exams, which we'll book for you
Course overview
GCSEs are recognised qualifications that are often a gateway to further learning. GCSEs are one of the most popular and sought after level 2 qualifications in the UK. Core subjects consist of mathematics, english and science, and are key requirements for many jobs and entry to further levels of study.
We offer a range of 15 online GCSEs including this GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier qualification, awarded by AQA.
Chemistry is a branch of science and in our GCSE chemistry course you will study the subject of matter, the substances that form matter and their properties and reactions, as well as the elements of the Earth and its atmosphere.
If you are considering a future in healthcare or medicine, engineering, forensics or just interested in the subject, study our online chemistry GCSE course and gain a fully recognised GCSE qualification.
Please note, the foundation tier course will award grades of between 1-4. Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for grade 1 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate. Please see our higher tier course for grades between 4-9.
Course Duration
Up to 1 year.
Course Outcome
GCSE Foundation Tier in Chemistry (you must take the exams and practical assessments to achieve this).
Entry Requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Assessment
2 paper-based exams and practical assessments.
Course content
- Atoms, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotypes
- The periodic table
- Properties of transition metals
- Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic
- Bonding and structure and their relation to the properties of substance
- Structure and bonding of carbon
- Bulk and surface properties of matter
- Nano particles
- Chemical measurements, conservation of mass and the quantitative interpretation of chemical equations
- Amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances
- Yield and atom economy of chemical reactions
- Reactivity of metals
- Reactions of acids
- Electrolysis
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Chemical cells and fuel cells
- Rate of reaction
- Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium
- Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
- Reactions of alkenes and alcohols
- Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers
- Purity, formulations and chromatography
- Identification of common gases
- Identification of ions by chemical and spectroscopic means
- The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere
- Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
- Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources
- Using the Earth’s resources and sustainable development
- Life cycle assessment and recycling
- Using materials
- The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers
Extra info
Assessment
You will be assessed across the above units by two paper-based examinations and a series of practical assessments undertaken at an examination centre under supervision.
We strongly advise you to take your practical assessments and written exams so you can gain the full GCSE qualification, awarded by AQA.
If you add the exams and practicals package onto your enrolment, we will book the exams and practicals for you. Just let us know when you are ready and we will book them for you!
Please note, if you choose this option our GCSE exam centre locations for this course are as follows:
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Doncaster
- Bolton
- Wimbledon
- Taunton
- St Neots
Please note, if you choose to add your practical sessions to your enrolment, you will need to complete both your practicals and written exams at our Birmingham centre.
Course Duration
You have one full year to complete your course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.
Course Requirements
You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on our GCSE chemistry course. This course is for students aiming to achieve grades 1-5.
If you are wishing to study towards grades 4-9 choose GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier.
Study Method
Study for your GCSE Chemistry around your life commitments. Whether that’s alongside work, college or family – study at a pace that suits you.
Choose to study online or from a course pack. As long as you have your study materials, you can study wherever you want.
Tutor support is available through email, so help is only a click away!
Course Outcome
Once you have studied the course and successfully passed the examinations and practical assessments, you will be awarded your AQA GCSE Chemistry.
You will achieve a grade between 1-5 with the foundation tier paper. The highest grade you can achieve is 5. Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for grade 1 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate. For students wishing to achieve grade 4-9, please choose our GCSE Chemistry, Higher Tier.
Progression
Successful students with a reasonable grade will be able to go on to study A Level Chemistry.
Exam details
Paper 1
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Weighting: 50% of GCSE
- Total Marks: 100
- Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
- Assessed: Topics 1-5
Paper 2
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Weighting: 50% of GCSE
- Total Marks: 100
- Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
- Assessed: Topics 6–10
Q&As
Yes. This qualification is exactly the same GCSE chemistry course you would receive from a school or college. It is accredited by AQA. The only difference is you are able to study this course at your own pace, in your own environment.
When enroling onto our GCSE chemistry course you will receive:
- Personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Assignment marking and feedback
- FREE XO Student Discounts membership
- FREE CV critique service
- FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers
If you choose a study pack over online study, you will also receive:
- Comprehensive study guide
- Open Study College pen and highlighter
You will need to take the official GCSE exams and practicals in order to fully complete this course and gain a qualification in GCSE chemistry.
If you pick the ‘exam + practicals’ option, we will book the exams and practicals for you. Just let us know when you are ready and we will book these.
Please note: if you choose to add on your exams you will need to sit them at either the Birmingham, Coventry, Doncaster, Bolton, Wimbledon, Taunton, or St Neots examination centre.
Please note, if you choose to add your practical sessions to your enrolment, you will need to complete both your practicals and written exams at our Birmingham centre.
Please note, you can only achieve up to a grade 5 with the foundation tier. For students wishing to study towards grades 4-9, please choose our GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier course.
No, all costs are included within the price! If you don’t add on the exams, you will need to book and pay for these separately. You may want to purchase textbooks to supplement your course, but this is entirely optional.
You are still able to study our GCSE chemistry course, but must take the examinations within the UK, as this is the only guaranteed way to access exam centres.
It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.
That's not a problem. We want to make sure you're 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on 03300 563 100 and they'll do their best to help.