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AS/A2 Geology

The course is designed to enable you to: 

Develop your interest in, and enthusiasm for geology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in geology

Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of geology and how they relate to each other

Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society

Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works

Appreciate geodiversity, the finite nature of the Earth’s resources and the need for geoconservation

 
Is it for me? 
 

The course suits those with an interest in the scientific study of the environment, enjoy practical work including fieldwork and want to know more about the planet they live on. The course involves ongoing investigative work throughout the course. Assessment is mostly exam based.

 

What's involved?

Global Tectonics 
 

This unit will provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the Earth, its structure and itsplace within the solar system, including earthquakes, their effects, the issues around predicting earthquakes and the evidence for plate tectonics. The material covered in this unit forms the basis for understanding the tectonic environments in which rocks are formed and geological structures develop.

 Assessment: 1 hour written examination worth 30% of the total AS marks, 15% of the total A Level marks.
 

Rocks –Processes and Products 

The aims of this unit are to provide you with a broad knowledge and understanding of therock cycle and the processes that produce igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Material covered in this unit forms the basis for understanding the environments in which the rocks are formed and the plate tectonic settings. 

Assessment: 1 hour 45 minutes written examination worth 50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A Level marks.

 
Environmental Geology 
 

Within this unit you will develop a knowledge and understanding of the applications of geology to water supply, energy resources, metallic mineral deposits, engineering geology and construction materials. You will also cover the main environmental, technological, safety and economic issues related to these areas of geology.

Assessment: 1 hour written paper worth 15% of the total Advanced GCE marks

 

 Evolution of Life, Earth and Climate

 This unit provides candidates with a knowledge and understanding of the evolution of fossils and climate.
 
Assessment: 1 hour 45min written paper worth 25% of the total Advanced GCE marks.
 
 
Unit 3 Practical Skills in Geology 2
 
This unit develops practical and investigative skills within contexts encountered during AS
Geology. Candidates are required to carry out two task types:
1) Centre-based or Fieldwork task [20 marks]
2) Evaluative task [20 marks]
 
Assessment: Coursework worth 10% of the total Advanced GSE mark.
 
 
Progression
 
Geology is related to the branch of earth sciences and complements and combines well with Physics, Geography, Environmental Studies and other sciences. Geologists are increasingly in demand to study and evaluate geologic hazards, natural resources and environmental issues such as groundwater supply and contamination. Students who enjoy working outdoors, have a good scientific background, and are interested in understanding how the world around them works will find geology a rewarding area of study.