A/AS Environmental Studies

A/AS Environmental Studies

What is Environmental Studies?
In Environmental Studies you will study the world around you and consider its future. Look out of the window. Why does it look like that? What was it like 10 years ago? What will it look like in 10 years time? Or in 100 years? How are things changing - naturally or artificially? What will happen to the world as we interfere with it â€" or as we leave it alone? Are you worried about the future of your world -or just trying to make sense of the News?

What is the scientific basis of environmental processes? What is actually happening and how can we find out about it? How much can you affect the world through your decisions? How much can you influence global problems? How much does it matter? Should you be concerned about Global Warming?

Environmental issues are often complex and frequently emotionally charged. They are often argued to be vitally important, but where does the truth lie? There is a huge range of conflicting opinion around you. Environmental Studies will help you to grasp the issues and to understand the science behind the talk. Please note that Environmental Studies is a science course and that you will be exploring the scientific basis of environmental issues.

If you are interested in the answers to such questions-you should give serious consideration to Environmental Studies. If you are not interested in the answers to these questions -then it is possibly even more important that you think about studying this course.

The course covers a wide range of topics. The underlying focus is on the science involved in the environment starting with the basic geology and biology and going on to explore the broader issues in this scientific context.

The specific subjects covered in the first year AS course are the atmosphere, the water cycle, the lithosphere (rocks!), land use, ecology and some simple biology.

In the A2 year the course covers human use of the world, the management of resources and pollution issues. This applies the work done in the first year in the context of real world issues. Both years involve practical laboratory and field work.

Is Environmental Studies suitable for me?
Recent students liked the course as they found it interesting and enjoyable and because it goes well with other subjects chosen by them. They have liked the style of the course with plenty of independence combined with active support from staff. The main challenge is keeping up with the work.

How will I learn?
We aim to use a variety of approaches to the subject; we hope that you will find this a stimulating subject. You will have plenty of scope for practical work and a range of classroom and research activities, which should develop your skills. The course includes a significant amount of fieldwork with a field research project at the end of the first year.

The course is available on the College's Moodle Intranet and this will be used a lot to support your studies. Many students like this approach and have commented on how well it prepares them for higher studies and employment.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: 0%

In the first year AS course there will be a one hour exam paper on the living environment and a one and a half hour exam paper on the physical environment. These are almost entirely short answers with no full-length essays to be written.

In the second year A2 course there are two exam papers, a one and a half hour exam on energy and pollution and a two hour exam on biological resources and sustainability. These are again mainly short answers with one essay on each paper.

Practical work is not assessed separately but questions on practical work can be included in papers.

Progression
Environmental courses or careers beckon. There are many of these and with growing requirements to take environmental issues into account when planning, employment opportunities are expanding. As well as specifically environmental courses this could include town planning, forestry, architecture, local government, journalism, industry in general and a range of technical and scientific courses. The subject is also useful if you are taking mainly Arts and Social Sciences and wish to keep some science in your academic profile. Universities accept Environmental Science with both Biology and Geography.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate).

Essential Textbook cost: £25

In the AS and A2 years we are planning some local fieldwork, costs are unlikely to be more than £15 per year.

If you continue the subject into the second year there are optional residential field trips.

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help fromthe College Access Fund.

Course: AQA 1441/2441