Environmental Studies

A-Level

This course is for those who have a real interest in environmental issues.  The Environmental Studies specification enables students to gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment, and the scientific processes that control and affect it, connecting the fields of Biology, Geography, Chemistry, Physics and Law and applying their concepts to contemporary issues. The central theme is the development of an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate, how they influence subsequent environmental events and cycles and the strategies that can be used to minimise the problems caused. Fieldwork and practical activities form an integral part of each unit of the course and are partially covered during a residential field trip, which will allow students to develop their understanding and skills.

 

Entry requirements

GCSE grade C in Maths and Science

What will I study

AS

  • The Living Environment:wildlife conservation, ecology, global climate change.
  • The Physical Environment:and use and case studies of Antarctica, coral reefs, as well as National parks in the UK.

A2

  • Energy resources and Environmental Pollution:future problems of energy supply, pollution.
  • Biological Resources and Sustainability:factors controlling human population growth, food production and forestry in the context of sustainability of human lifestyles

Assessment

  • The Living Environment: 5 Short answer questions and 1 structured question.  1 hour written paper making up 40% of the AS and 20% of the A2
  • The Physical Environment:  8 Short answer questions and 1 structured question including extended prose.  1 ½ hour written paper making up 60% of the AS and 30% of the A2
  • Energy resources and Environmental Pollution: 7 compulsory short answer/structured/comprehension questions and 1 essay from a choice of three titles.  Includes synoptic assessment. 1 ½ hour written paper making up 25% of the A2.
  • Biological Resources and Sustainability: 5 compulsory short answer/structured/comprehension questions and 1 compulsory data analysis question and 1 essay from a choice of three titles. Includes synoptic assessment. 2 hour written paper making up 25% of the A2.

Progression

Environmental Sciences are a growing field and many universities and colleges offer courses in this area, including Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Ecology, Conservation and Environmental Forensic Science, as well as degrees in Geography, Geology, Planning and Teaching.