Environmental Studies

Course Content

Award:
AS Level

What's it all about?:
Free* Netbook computer for every new full-time AS level student
Environmental issues, such as climate change, air and watrer pollution, the use and misuse of natural resources, wildlife conservation and sustainability, are increasingly prominent in national and international affairs. Yet, although these topics are fascinating, they are complex and require knowledge for them to be adequately understood.

Environmental studies AS enables students to gain a well informed insight into these and other environmental issues. The course focuses, firstly, on developing an understanding of the way that different natural cycles and events within the environment work and interrelate and, secondly, how human beings are making an impact on theses processes and what can be done to minimise the resulting problems.

The course requires some basic knowledge of chemistry, biology and physics and builds on this to give students a knowledge base from which to discuss key environmetal systems, both in the laboratory and in the natural environment, and learn how to analyse data using simple statistical tests.

*Subject to conditions

Progression:
Successful completion of the AS will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to progress onto the A2 level. There are many higher education courses directly related to environmental studies such as environmental science, pollution science, wildlife conservation and monitoring. Many other subjects have links with environmentalstudies, such as geography, climate science, planning and civil engineering.

Entry Requirements:
In our experience in order to be successful on this level of programme you will need one of the following:

· four to five* GCSEs at grades A*-C (including English and maths)

· an intermediate GNVQ in a related subject

· a BTEC first diploma in a related subject

· an NVQ level 2/technical certificate in a related subject

· successful completion of an apprenticeship programme

· successful completion of the Gateway/Newstart programme

· equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

* A level candidates will be expected to have five GCSEs

. A grade CC in Double Science is desirable but not essential.

Enthusiasm, commitment and a keen interest in the ufture of our planet helps too!

Duration: One year Course Overview
What does the course involve?:

The AS year comprises two units:

Unit 1: The Living Environment ENVS1 (40% of AS, 20% of A2)

Why the conservation of life on Earth is important. Methods used to achieve effective conservation. Conservation in the UK, coral reefs, Antarctica and tropical rainforests. Ecological relationships.

Unit 2: The Physical Environment ENVS2 (60% of AS, 30% of A2)

Planet life support systems- atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Human exploitation and management of the planet's physical resources. The global unsustainable use of natural resources.

When can I study?:
Various days and times

Are there any exams?:
AS (Year 1 )
Unit 1 is assessed by a one hour written examination (40% of AS marks, 20% of total A Level marks).

Unit 2 is assessed by a one hour 30 minutes written examination (60% of AS marks, 30% of total A Level marks).
Course Facts

• Apply Now

Start Date:
September

End Date:
June

Course Type:

Part-time

Location:
Goschen Centre

Instalments:

Material Fees:


Level:
Advanced

Course Code:
ASPT

Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees are not applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2009/10 (August 2009 - July 2010). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2010/11.

• Apply Now

Start Date:
September

End Date:
June

Course Type:

Full-time

Location:
Goschen Centre

Course Fees:
£999 per year. If you are receiving certain benefits, you may only have to pay a material fee for 3 AS levels.

Instalments:
Instalments are available for course fees. A deposit of £249.75 per year is payable before enrolment followed by three monthly payments of £249.75 per year

Material Fees:
£20 per year for 3 AS levels.

Level:
Advanced

Course Code:
ASFT

Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees are not applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2009/10 (August 2009 - July 2010). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2010/11.