Environmental Studies A Level (Full AS + A2)

As the 'green' movement continues to increase in importance and momentum, now is the perfect time to learn more about the environment. This home learning A-Level Enivronmental Studies course will help you to learn more about the fascinating issues involved in the preservation of our planet.

Based on the AQA Environmental Studies A-Level specification, this course covers key relevant topics such as: the living environment; the physical environment; energy resources and environmental pollution; and biological resources and sustainability.

This course has been designed to:

• develop an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate
• draw on experiences of human impacts on environmental events and cycles, and the strategies that can be used to minimise the problems caused
• enable students to gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment, and the scientific processes involved
• prepare students for a wide variety of higher education courses, and be an ideal base for employment

This course is aimed at those wishing to gain an A Level in Environmental Studies in preparation for studying Environmental Studies at a higher level, or for those seeking careers in ecology, conservation or marine biology. It is also relevant to those studying for general interest.

This course consists of four units:

AS Level

At AS, this specification develops a foundation of scientific knowledge and skills associated with the environment and how it works. Candidates study the biodiversity of life on Planet Earth and physical resources which are essential for life on Earth:

Unit 1: ENVS1 The Living Environment

• An introduction to the biodiversity of life on Planet Earth.

Written examination: 1 hour

Unit 2: ENVS2 The Physical Environment

• Physical resources such as atmospheric gases, water and mineral nutrients are essential for life on Earth.
• Humans exploit and manage physical resources to provide higher material living standards.
• The use of many of these resources is unsustainable.

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

A2 Level

At A2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their skills and understanding of How Science Works. Candidates examine Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution, and Biological Resources and Sustainability:

Unit 3: ENVS3 Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

• Future problems of energy supply and how these may be resolved are investigated through the study of the energy resources which are available for use.

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Unit 4: ENVS4 Biological Resources and Sustainability

• The factors controlling human population growth are considered in relation to the demands placed upon the planets resources and life-support systems.

How Science Works

An understanding of How Science Works is a requirement. How Science Works is an underpinning set of concepts and is the means whereby students come to understand how scientists investigate scientific phenomena in their attempts to explain the world about us. Moreover, How Science Works recognises the contribution scientists have made to their own disciplines and to the wider world.

Exams

Exams are taken at an AQA centre and we can provide an extensive list of centres for you.

This course is aimed at those wishing to gain an A Level in Environmental Studies in preparation for studying Environmental Studies at a higher level, or for those seeking careers in ecology, conservation or marine biology. It is also relevant to those studying for general interest.

We only require that students have basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.