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Environmental Studies GCE AS/A2 Level

Course aims

This course will equip you with the knowledge and understanding to study the environment in a scientific context.

Entry requirements

To study GCE AS Level you will normally require 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, to include Double Award in Science at grade C.

To study GCE A Level (A2) a pass at GCE AS Level is required.

Course content

GCE AS Level
Unit  1 - The Living Environment:

Topics studied include: biodiversity; conservation of wildlife on a global scale; conservation of environments in the UK and of coral reefs.
Antarctica and tropical rainforests are also studied to develop these issues further.  The management of ecological relationships between organisms and their abiotic and biotic environments is also considered.

Unit  2 - The Physical Environment:
Topics include:  physical resources such as atmospheric gases, water and mineral nutrients essential for life on earth.  Considering the concept that human exploitation and management of these resources to provide higher standards of living may be unsustainable.  Plus global climate change.

GCE A2 Level:
Unit 3 - Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution:

This unit involves studying future problems of energy supply and how these may be resolved.  The properties of pollutants are considered to explain causes of environmental damage.  A study of a range of atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial pollutants.  Strategies to minimise impacts and manage damage are also considered.

Unit 4 - Biological Resources and Sustainability:
The growth of human population and increased materialism are considered in relation to demands placed on the planet's resources.  Food production and Forestry systems are analysed; especially the problems caused by these systems and how these might be managed.  Sustainability of human lifestyles allows synoptic consideration of all modules.

Course assessment

Written examinations:
GCE AS Level - 2 exams in year 1.
GCE A (A2) - 2 exams in year 2.

Materials

Recommended textbooks to be advised by your tutor. Extensive use will be made of the internet and relevant websites will be an important source of material to study this course.
 

Progress

Higher Education to study Sciences, Earth Sciences, Teaching, work with Environmental Agencies.

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