Environmental Science - A Level

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Entry Requirements

Two GCSEs at grade 4 plus grade 5 in Maths and grade 5 in Science

Subject Intent

This course gives students the knowledge and skills needed to help resolve the world’s most pressing problems in a sustainable way. Key topics in A Level Environmental Science include the biophysical environment, energy resources, pollution, the circular economy, and sustainability.

The course gives students the opportunity to develop scientific methodology and interpret complex data about Earth systems. It also provides transferable skills such as data gathering, information retrieval, critical thinking, organisation and communication skills, planning and research skills, and problem solving.

These are highly valued in STEM career sectors such as renewable energy, planning and the built environment as well as ecological and environmental sciences.

Course Introduction

For students wanting a greener future for our planet, Environmental Science is the key subject to study. It is a subject that tackles many interconnected systems and processes in the living and physical world. A change to one process can affect many other processes over different spatial and timescales. A relevant example of this is how the rise in carbon dioxide levels from burning of fossil fuels in the 20th century has caused a rise in global temperature with local, regional and global impacts on both a short and long-term timescale.

Students studying for this A-level will develop an understanding of how human society relies upon natural systems for resources and life support systems. With this knowledge they will be able to propose changes in society that would produce lifestyles for a greener, more sustainable society.

Course Modules

First Year

The Living Environment

• Conditions for life on Earth
• Conservation of biodiversity
• Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning

The Physical Environment

• The atmosphere
• The hydrosphere
• Mineral resources
• Biogeochemical cycles
• Soils

Second Year

Energy resources

Evaluation of new extraction/harnessing technologies relating to:

• Fossil fuels
• Nuclear power – fission and fusion
• Renewable energy technologies
• New energy storage systems
• New energy conservation technologies
• Vehicle design for use and end of life
• Building design

Pollution

• The properties of pollutants
• How environmental features affect pollution events
• Strategies to control pollutants based on their properties and features of the environment

Sustainability

• Dynamic equilibria
• Energy
• Material cycles
• The Circular Economy Biological resources

Biological resources

• Agriculture
• Aquatic food production systems
• Forest resources

Although the course recommends that some of the topics are taught through investigative practical laboratory and field-based work, this course does not have an independent NEA assessment nor is there a requirement for the students to do a minimum number of specified practicals or fieldwork days.

Assessment

A-level Environmental Science is assessed by 2 x 180 minute written examinations at the end of the second year.

Course Fact

The course gives students the opportunity to develop scientific methodology and interpret complex data about Earth systems.

Example Career Opportunities

Environmental Consultant | Wildlife Manager | Ecologist | Zoologist | Horticulturalist
Microbiologist | Oceanographer | Meteorologist