Geology A Level
Overview
A comprehensive course that covers a wide variety of exciting topics in Earth Science and Palaeontology. You will study the risks posed to human beings from natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis and how these may be minimised by prediction, prevention or hazard management. You will also learn about the sustainable use from the earth of vital resources such metals essential for the 21st century.
Course overview:
- Understand the principles of materials within the processes in the rock cycle
- Understand the scale of time especially in the context of plate tectonics
- Understand past life and climates in the natural cycles of the Earth
- Understand the role of geologists in geohazards and sustainable resource management.
Course outcomes:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of geological science and its applications
- Analyse and interpret geological settings from fieldwork
- Explain how geologists crucially contribute to the sustainable success of the economy and society.
Key information
- Seven GCSEs grade C or above, including English
- Grade B in GCSE Mathematics and grade C in GCSE Science
- You do not need a GCSE in Geography or Geology
- A commitment and enthusiasm for scientific wonder of Planet Earth.
4.5 hrs per week in lectures. At least 4 fieldtrips over 2 years. 3 Moodle Courses including the ‘Main Page’, ‘Geology in the News’ and ‘Developing Mathematical Skills in Geology’. There is a ‘coursework’ type student portfolio covering 20 different practicals.
Exams:
- C1-Geological Investigations- (35%)-data response questions and practical enquiry on specimens and black and white map
- C2-Geological Principles and Processes- (30%) stimulus response questions requiring short, structured and extended answers.(83 words)
- C3- Geological Applications (35%) stimulus response questions requiring short and structured answers. BGS Colour map investigation.
Linear delivery: Make sure you ask about linear delivery at your interview. Linear delivery means that you might not have the option of taking an AS exam at the end of your first year.
Past students have gone on to study Geology at universities in Cardiff, Exeter, Portsmouth and Plymouth. In a recent government policy called ‘UK Critical Minerals Strategy’, the government committed to focus on the critical mineral supply chain, including training the next generation of geologists, engineers and beyond. Geologists, engineering geologists, geophysicists and hydrogeologists are all on the ‘Shortage Occupation List’ so the future is bright for Earth scientists!
Also, there are currently many career opportunities on infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the remediation of damaged land in places like former brownfield sites in South Wales.