A Level Geology
A Level
In Marple
Description
-
Type
A Level
-
Location
Marple
-
Duration
2 Years
The study of what the earth is made of. Youll study rocks, fossils and plate tectonics and learn about the history of the planet youll also investigate how to predict what will happen to our planet in the future.
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Course programme
Geology (AS and A Level) Marple only
GEOLOGY
AS and A Level (WJEC)
Campus: Marple
(28.07.09)
Course overview
The study of what the earth is made of. Youll study rocks, fossils and plate tectonics and learn about the history of the planet youll also investigate how to predict what will happen to our planet in the future.
AS Level (year one)
At AS you will study the Earths global structure, minerals, rocks and fossils, develop investigative techniques and understand the impact of geology in environmental planning.
Unit One Foundation Geology
You will study the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and develop an understanding of the geological record of change and absolute dating of geological events.
Unit Two Investigative Geology
You will learn appropriate Geological techniques and field skills. You will determine the identity of minerals and rocks, how fossils differ across an area. This unit has an investigative approach to learning.
Unit Three Geology and the Human Environment You will develop knowledge and understanding of natural geological hazards and those caused by manshuman activity. You will further develop skills of analysis and evaluation of geological data.
A Level (year two)
At A2 Level you will deepen your knowledge of the geological record, skills of observation, analysis and geological map interpretation.
Unit Four Interpreting the Geological Record
You will acquire skills in recognising and interpreting structural data, observation and interpretation of fossil characteristics. You will develop an understanding of past global climate change.
Unit Five Geological Themes
This unit builds on knowledge from Unit 1, 3 and 4. You will extend your understanding of geological processes, the geological record and fieldwork skills of investigating and interpreting a modern sedimentary environment.
Unit Six Geological Investigations
You will complete two pieces of coursework; a field based study investigation and a laboratory based investigation.
How you will learn
Through a variety of learning experiences: Including individual research, class discussion, interpretation of geological maps and photographs, first hand data collection when carrying out fieldwork, analysing and interpreting data, group work, answering exam-focused questions and practical work in class and laboratory.
You will take part in day trips to Castleton and Anglesey as well as a residential fieldtrip in Year 2. In the past we have been to the Isle of Arran, and in June this year we visited Iceland for the first time. This was a huge success which we hope to repeat in the future.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is mostly by written examination with practical exercises and two geological investigations in year 2.
Other useful information
Exam results are above the national average and there are lots of fieldtrips. Many of our students go on to study Geology at university.
A Level Geology