A Level Course in Environmental Science

Course Synopsis

This is a full A Level course in Environmental Science. On completion of your two part course you will be able to:

• Better understand the interactions between the environment and the organisms living within it.


• Learn about social and ethical issues involved in the use of, and demand for, water and energy.


• Understand how conflicts of interest can arise between farmers, conservationists and consumers.


• Develop an understanding of relevant scientific methods through practical work and fieldwork.

Course Content

Unit 1: Energy, the Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

The atmosphere
Solar radiation and energy transfer
The hydrological and carbon cycles
The greenhouse effect and climate change
Ultraviolet light and the ozone layer
Global homeostasis and feedback
Microclimates
The demand for water
Obtaining and treating water
Energy use
Fossil fuels
Nuclear power
Geothermal, solar and wind power, and biofuels
Power from water
Global energy use

Unit 2: The Lithosphere

Types of rock
The rock cycle
Biogeochemical cycles
How is soil formed?
The properties of soil
Soil analysis
Soil erosion
Sources of, and demand for, minerals
Non-metal minerals
Environmental impacts of mineral extraction
Land use
Management of derelict and polluted land
Resolving conflict between different land users
Enhancing the environment for amenity use

Unit 3: The Biosphere

Conditions for life on Earth
Autotrophic nutrition
Respiration and heterotrophic nutrition
Food chains and webs
Energy flow through ecosystems
Studying ecosystems
Succession and zonation
Species diversity
Measuring population size and density
Changes in populations
Human populations
Wildlife conservation
National and international conservation

Unit 4: Biotic Resource Management

Population and resources
Types of production system 1
Types of production system 2
Choosing species for human food
Selective breeding and genetic engineering
Environmental impact of agriculture
Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture
Marine ecosystems
Management of marine ecosystems
The purpose of forests
Forest management

Unit 5: Pollution and physical resource management

Introduction to pollution
Types and control of solid waste
Methods of solid waste treatment
Salvage and recycling
Water conservation and management
Water pollution 1
Water pollution 2
Monitoring water pollution
The global atmospheric system and climate change
Acid rain
The ozone layer and smogs
Noise pollution
Radiation

Unit 6: Practical component

Planning an experiment
Presenting date and using statistical analysis 1
Presenting data and using statistical analysis 2
Interpreting and evaluating experimental data

Entry Requirements

Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

You must have a science GCSE grade A-C to enrol onto this course.

Study Hours

Variable by student commitment

Qualification

AS/A2 - A level in Environmental Science. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Specification: AQA (AS) 5441 and AQA (A2) 6441

What's Included

Postage and packing, unlimited full tutor support. Students are required to arrange and pay for examinations. Details of examination dates and examination enrolment deadlines are included in the 'Student Welcome Pack'.

Additional Information

You will need the following book for this course:

• K Byrne, Environmental Science (Nelson Thornes, 2001 2nd edition)

Please note the difference:
The purchasing of books applies to some A Level courses only. (All books and materials are supplied with all Diploma Courses that are listed on this site - See below).

Course Fee

£295.00

Further Information

Please note that this course is in paper/file format only.

TO ORDER THIS A LEVEL COURSE

Please print off the enrolment form here:

ENROLMENT FORM

Simply send the form it in to us with a cheque or postal order to the College address.

Alternatively you can call the College for an order form or prospectus to be sent to you through the post.

Further course details and fees can be found here

Important Note:

Please ensure a clear distinction is made between all Diploma Courses and all A Level Course descriptions/course contents. This A Level course description on this page is different from all of the other Diploma Course descriptions listed on this website.

The purchasing of books applies to some A Level courses only.

(All books and materials are supplied with all Diploma Courses that are listed on this site) There are no additional materials to buy or any further costs with Diploma Courses.

Diploma Courses are not the same as A Level Courses. All Diploma Courses are supplied to you in hard back form and sent to you through the post. All A Level courses are ONLINE ONLY. A Level course work is supplied to you online.

This A Level Course is available through our partner college in Distance Learning. As soon as your application and fee has been received you will receive a confirmation email from your student advisor welcoming you with details of your tutor, course details and how to begin your studies etc.



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