AS Level Geology
Starting dates and places
Description
Full TimeAS/A2 Level Geology is a popular course which encompasses
everything on Earth, from landscapes to oceans, the atmosphere and
living organisms, and how these have evolved through the 4.6
billion year history of this planet.
Geology is central to locating the resources that maintain our
society – from global warming through to exploitation of these
resources.
Demand for geologists and geoscientists is therefore strong and
growing.
Our aim is to provide students with the highest quality
education and to equip them with a wide range of skills to prepare
them for a rewarding and successful career. We seek to provide
these within a stimulating, supportive, and friendly
department.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no frequently asked questions yet. If you have any more questions or need help, contact our customer service.
AS/A2 Level Geology is a popular course which encompasses
everything on Earth, from landscapes to oceans, the atmosphere and
living organisms, and how these have evolved through the 4.6
billion year history of this planet.
Geology is central to locating the resources that maintain our
society – from global warming through to exploitation of these
resources.
Demand for geologists and geoscientists is therefore strong and
growing.
Our aim is to provide students with the highest quality
education and to equip them with a wide range of skills to prepare
them for a rewarding and successful career. We seek to provide
these within a stimulating, supportive, and friendly
department.
The AS/A2 Level Geology follows the WJEC specification and
builds upon topics covered at GCSE in Geography and Science. The
specifications are designed to provide an opportunity to study a
range of issues of geological significance and are delivered
through two theory modules and one practical module in each year of
the programme.
AS Level modules : develop underpinning earth science knowledge
and skills through 3 modules.
GL1: Foundation Geology – rocks, minerals, earth structure,
plate tectonics, fossils, geological time and structures.
GL2: Investigative Geology – the practical assessment of GL1
topics via an examination.
Field visits provide support for these units, recently used
locations include local quarry sites and Brymbo Fossil
Forest.
GL3: Geology and the Human Environment – volcanoes, earthquakes,
landslides, tsunami, dam/reservoir location and water supply,
mining, civil engineering related to tunnels and rock cuttings and
site investigation.
A2 Level modules: enable students to further develop their
skills and understanding of geological topics studied in the AS
course through 3 modules.
GL4: Interpreting the Geological Record – rock forming
processes, rock deformation, past life and climates, colour
geological maps.
GL5: Geological Themes – Natural Resources (ores, gemstones,
bulk and energy resources, their formation, location, how to find
and extract them whilst minimizing damage to the environment) and
Lithosphere (a concept based theme focusing on plate tectonics with
additional depth and detail).
GL6: Geological Investigations – the traditional coursework
assessment to show planning, implementation, analysis, conclusion
and evaluative skills, from both the field and the
laboratory.
Field visits provide support for these units, recently used
locations include Porth y Post and Llanddwyn Island on
Anglesey.
A number of guest speakers and lectures are arranged and
suggested through the course for students to develop wider
knowledge.
The course is demanding requiring literacy skills for essay
work, analytical skills for researching case studies and
mathematical skills for statistical analysis of data.
Commitment is vital for success.
Fieldwork is an essential component of the course.
To aid students’ achievement and progression Coleg Cambria is committed to providing opportunities to develop and accredit the Key Skills. The following Key Skills are delivered as part of this A level course: AS Improving Own Learning and Performance level 3. A2: Communication level 3.
How you will gain the qualification
Internal assessments will focus on the use of past examination
questions to provide realistic and accurate assessment. External
examinations are held in May (for AS) and June (for A2). There will
be internal mock examinations on published dates to provide
realistic examination experience.
Weighting of each module within the qualification:
AS modules:
GL1 60 minute written examination of structured data response
questions: 35% of AS grade 17.5% of A2 grade
GL2 90 minute practical exercise based on a simplified
geological map, with specimens, photographs and other data. The
exercise is set by the WJEC, but is administered and marked by the
College: 30% of AS grade 15% of A2 grade
GL3 75 minute written paper, 2 structured data response
questions and 1 essay: 35% of AS grade 17.5% of A2 grade
A2 modules:
GL4 120 minute written paper, integrated structured questions,
with a variety of data including geological maps. 17.5% of the A2
grade
GL5 120 minute written paper, data response questions followed
by a choice of one essay from three. 17.5% of the A2 grade
GL6 coursework submission (usually by the end of April of the A2 year), based on laboratory and field investigations carried out over the A2 year. 15% of the A2 grade.
What qualifications you need
College entry requirements:
Students wishing to study AS/A levels at Coleg Cambria require a
minimum of 6 full GCSEs at grade C or better including one of GCSE
English or English Language. GCSE English Literature is not a
substitute.
Subject Entry Requirements:
Although no prior knowledge of the subject is necessary for AS
Level entry, a broad background of Science and Geography is an
advantage, and an interest in the subject is essential. A grade C
in GCSE Maths and Science is required on the Higher Tier papers;
grade B in these qualifications is recommended.
For progression from AS to A2 a grade E is required in the AS
Level qualification (with a grade E attained on each theory paper)
and students should have undertaken the programme of field visits
during the summer term after the AS examinations.
It is expected that students start the course with the intention
of carrying on into A2.
Geology can be usefully combined with almost any other area of AS/A level study; and it also combines well with some non-GCE courses, although you should check that a chosen combination does not reduce chances of entry to a preferred degree course or career area.
Where to next
The course provides a good foundation for the study of Geology in Higher Education. We have ex-students working in mining and the oil industry and in laboratories analyzing oil products, and for the Environment Agency, as well as those working for civil engineers evaluating sites for a variety of projects and those continuing research through PhDs. In addition we have those who have used Geology as a ‘stepping stone’ Science and are now pursuing careers in other areas such as Teaching and the Armed Forces.
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