Geology

Geology
Level 3
AS and A2
Duration 1-2 years
What will I study
AS - Foundation Geology: composition of the Earth; minerals; rocks and fossils; plate tectonics; earthquakes; volcanoes; geological time; structural geology and geological hazards, including landfill and waste disposal, landslips and slope stability and engineering geology (reservoirs, buildings, tunnels and coastal management).
Mapwork and structural geology

A2: Advanced Geology. Advanced igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and processes, advanced palaeontology and mass extinctions. The Geology of Natural Resources: the formation and exploitation of coal, oil, gas, metals and bulk resources. The Geological Evolution of Britain and the stratigraphy of the British Isles.

Study Visits
A week-long residential field trip to Devon (October A2) is a compulsory part of the course. Day trips to local exposures are also included.

An optional trip to Iceland (October) is also offered.

Cost
£180 for A2 residential field trip; no more than £10 per day trip.

Assessment
AS : Three exams - two theory and one practical.

A2 : Two exams - one with mapwork, final sixth unit assessed through coursework.

Useful Supporting Courses
Complemented by other Science courses, Geography and Maths. Also links with Computing, IT and practical-based subjects.