A Level Environmental Science (AQA 603/0978/7)

Association of Learning

About This Course

Looking for a comprehensive and engaging course in Environmental Science that you can complete from the comfort of your own home? This online course covers all aspects of the living and physical environment, from conditions for life on Earth to conservation of biodiversity. You’ll learn about energy resources, including their impact on society and sustainability, as well as strategies for securing future energy supplies and implementing new energy conservation technologies. To prepare you for real-world environmental research, we also offer a section on research methods, including scientific methodologies, sampling techniques, specialist techniques, fieldwork, and laboratory activities.

Throughout this course, you’ll have opportunities for skill development and independent thinking, as well as access to standard environmental techniques. With our A Level Environmental Science programme, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the living and physical environment, as well as the skills and knowledge you need to make an impact in the field of environmental science.

Qualification Title: A Level Environmental Science
Qualification Number: 603/0978/7
UCAS Points: Up to 56

Course Units

Unit 1: The Living Environment

• Conditions for Life on Earth
• Conservation of Biodiversity
• Life Processes in the Biosphere and Conservation Planning
• Opportunities for Skills Development and Independent Thinking

Unit 2: The Physical Environment

• The Hydrosphere
• Mineral Resources
• Biogeochemical Cycles

Unit 3: Energy Resources

• The Importance of Energy Supplies in the Development of Society
• The Impact of the Features of Energy Resources
• The Sustainability of Current Energy Resource Exploitation
• Strategies to Secure Future Energy Supplies
• New Energy Conservation Technologies

Unit 4: Pollution

• The Properties of Pollutants
• Strategies to Control Pollutants
• Ionising Radiation
• Noise
• Solid Wastes
• Heavy Metals
• Acid Mine Drainage
• Nutrient Pollution
• Pesticides

Unit 5: Biological Resources

• Agriculture
• Agroecosystems
• Sustainability of Agriculture
• Aquatic Food Production Systems
• Forest Resources

Unit 6: Sustainability

• Dynamic Equilibria
• Energy
• Material Cycles
• The Circular Economy

Unit 7: Research Methods

• Scientific Methodologies
• Sampling Techniques
• Specialist Techniques
• Fieldwork and Laboratory Activities
• Standard Environmental Techniques

Assessment

To earn this A Level qualification you will first complete the assessments included in your course materials. These will be marked by your dedicated tutor and will prepare you for your exam.

You are required to complete two standard written exams:

• Paper 1: 3 hour written assessment, 50% of total marks – May/Jun 2025
• Paper 2: 3 hour written assessment, 50% of total marks – May/Jun 2025

(all dates are subject to change)

There is a separate fee for the examinations, which are paid directly to the exam centre at time of booking. We’ll help you book your exams when you are ready (we advise to book well in advance to guarantee your place).

Please note: the dates shown above are the next available exam slots only (exams take place every year).

There is no entry requirement for A Level Environmental Science.

Assessment

You will first complete the assessments included in your course materials. These will be marked by your tutor and will prepare you for your exam.

Exams

You are required to complete 2 written exams:

• Paper 1: 3 hour written assessment, 50% of total marks, – 20 May 2024
• Paper 2: 3 hour written assessment, 50% of total marks, – 7 June 2024

(dates are subject to change)

Exam Fees

There is a separate fee for the exams paid directly to the exam centre at time of booking. We’ll help you book them when you are ready.