A Level Environmental Science

Course Overview

As part of this course, students must undertake fieldwork which meets the minimum requirement of 4 days. Fieldwork will need to be booked via an external examination centre. Please note: it is your responsibility to source and book your fieldwork and examinations. Fieldwork will need to be completed by the end of March each year. Assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the fieldwork skills in this course will be by written exams only. Overall, at least 15% of the marks for A-level Environmental Science qualification will require the assessment of fieldwork skills. Studying A Levels with us lets you choose when you take your exams so that you are always fully prepared. A convenient and stress-free way to study that fits around your existing commitments. Simply receive your course materials online or by post and start studying to gain that all-important A-Level. You will be responsible for booking your exams. We can help you to find your nearest exam centre. You can contact us for help with this whenever you are ready.

Course Content

SECTION 1: THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT

• Conditions for life on Earth
• Conservation of biodiversity
• Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning
• Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

SECTION 2: THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

• The hydrosphere Mineral resources
• Biogeochemical cycles

SECTION 3: ENERGY RESOURCES

• The importance of energy supplies in the development of society
• The impact of the features of energy resources
• The sustainability of current energy resource exploitation
• Strategies to secure future energy supplies
• New energy conservation technologies

SECTION 4: POLLUTION

• The properties of pollutants
• Strategies to control pollutants
• Ionising radiation
• Noise Solid wastes
• Heavy metals
• Acid mine drainage
• Nutrient pollution
• Pesticides

SECTION 5: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

• Agriculture
• Agroecosystems sustainability of agriculture
• Aquatic food production systems
• Forest resources

SECTION 6: SUSTAINABILITY

• Dynamic equilibria
• Energy Material cycles
• The circular economy

SECTION 7: RESEARCH METHODS

• Scientific methodologies
• Sampling techniques
• Specialist techniques
• Fieldwork and laboratory activities
• Standard environmental techniques

ASSESSMENT

As part of this course, students must undertake fieldwork which meets the minimum requirement of 4 days. Fieldwork will need to be booked via an external examination centre. Please note: it is your responsibility to source and book your fieldwork and examinations. Fieldwork will need to be completed by the end of March each year. Assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the fieldwork skills in this course will be by written exams only. Overall, at least 15% of the marks for A-level Environmental Science qualification will require the assessment of fieldwork skills. To achieve the full Environmental Science A Level you will be assessed across the 7 sections and practical assessment. All units will be assessed by two paper-based examinations. You will be responsible for booking your exams. We can help you to find your nearest exam centre and we have 7 recommended exam centres across the country. You can contact us for help with this whenever you are ready. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below: Paper 1:

• Type: Written examination
• Duration: 3 hours
• Weighing: 50% of A Level
• Total Marks: 120
• Assessed: Any content from sections 2, 3, 4 and 7
• Assessment format: A combination of multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Paper 2:

• Type: Written examination
• Duration: 3 hours
• Weighing: 50% of A Level
• Total Marks: 120
• Assessed: Any content from sections 1, 5, 6 and 7
• Assessment format: A combination of multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Please note: It is your responsibility to source and books your fieldwork and examinations. Your fieldwork skills will be assessed within the written exams only. Overall, at least 15% of the marks for A Level Environmental Science qualification will require the assessment of practical skills.

COURSE DURATION

You will have 2 years to complete the full A-Level from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines.

STUDY METHOD

This course enables you to study for an A-Level in Environmental Science by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent by post. Tutor support will be available via email, so help is only a click away! Your course pack will include self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked study questions, so you can monitor your progress.

COURSE OUTCOME

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an A-Level in Environmental Science issued by AQA. All examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A-Level. The first opportunity to take these exams is in 2019.