A level Geology (AS)
A Level
In Pontefract
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
Pontefract
Geology, the science of the earth, is an interesting and challenging subject that helps understand the physical world in which we live. The subject covers a range of geological processes that operate at, or below, the earth's surface. The AS course covers three main areas of Geology and is ideal for a one-year course. It is suitable if you are looking for a broad base in science at A Level
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Normal college entry requirements apply (5 grade C's from 4 different subjects including Maths and/or English).
Reviews
Course programme
Geology (AS)
Why should I study Geology?
Geology, the science of the earth, is an interesting and challenging subject that helps understand the physical world in which we live. The subject covers a range of geological processes that operate at, or below, the earth's surface. The AS course covers three main areas of Geology and is ideal for a one-year course. It is suitable if you are looking for a broad base in science at A Level and supports subjects such as geography â€" the ideas extend beyond GCSE Science and are complementary to A Level Geography.
What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1:
Global Tectonics Module 1: Earth Structure Module 2 Earthquakes Module 3: Continental drift and plate tectonics Module 4: Geological structures
This represents 30% of the total AS Level.
Unit 2:
Processes and Products Module 1: The Rock Cycle
Module 2: Igneous processes and products Module 3: Sedimentary processes and products Module 4: Metamorphic processes and products
This represents 50% of the total AS Level marks.
Unit 3:
Practical Skills This represents 20% of the total AS Level marks.
A2 Units
Unit 1:
Environmental Geology Module 1: Water supply Module 2: Energy resources Module 3: Metallic mineral deposits Module 4: Engineering geology
This represents 30% of the total A2 Level.
Unit 2: Evolution of Life, Earth and Climate
Module 1: Formation of fossils Module 2: Morphology of fossils Module 3: Evolution and mass extinctions Module 4: Dating methods Module 5: Changing climate
This represents 30% of the total A2 Level.
Unit 3:
Practical Skills This represents 20% of the total A2 Level.
What skills do I need?
- A science background would be beneficial
- Good data and problem solving skills
How will I be taught?
Teaching methods are designed mainly to help you to understand geological processes as opposed to merely digesting facts. A variety of methods are employed â€" discussions, videos, practical work, individual research, ICT, problem-solving exercises, and fieldwork.
How is the course assessed?
The written examinations involve:
Unit 1:
1 hr written exam which includes 4 data questions, one of which has an extended answer section
Unit 2:
1¾ hr written exam which includes 5 data questions and 2 extended answer questions.
Unit 3:
Practical skills. 1
Laboratory or Fieldwork Task
An OCR set task based on Geological maps, photographs and dataor a field exercise that uses the same skills of measurement, observation and recording of data.This represents 10% of the total AS Level marks. 2
Evaluative Task
Evaluating results based on field or practical data provided by OCR.This represents 10% of the total AS Level marks
What will this course prepare me for?
These are diverse and provide opportunities for work indoors or out in the field. They include engineering, environmental work, geochemistry, geophysics, government agencies, mining, quarrying, natural hazard agencies, oil industry, scientific research, water industry (hydrogeology) and waste disposal.
Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.
A level Geology (AS)