A Level Geology

Science / Full Time / A Levels and Equivalent

Geologists need a good grounding in physics and chemistry, and biology underpins the study of fossils, so if you are considering studying other sciences and would like to see different ways that they can be applied to the world around you (both in the laboratory and through fieldwork), then A Level Geology may be the subject for you.

In your first year you will investigate the Earth from its meteorite origins through to the range of rocks found in its different layers and surface environments. You will study the immense forces that circulate rocky material through the inside of the Earth and move the surface plates around, leaving huge cracks and folds behind as evidence of past activity. You will discover how geologists need a multitude of different skills to accurately measure and describe features in the environment. Through field trips in Cornwall, further afield in the UK and even abroad, you will develop these skills for yourself.

By the time you reach your second year you will be able to apply your basic knowledge and skills to many geological situations. You will use geological maps and cross sections to investigate the difficulties of finding and extracting resources, from water and gas to oil and metals. You will study how and where to construct dams and reservoirs, analyse and debate the problems of constructing roads, tunnels and coastal defences, and consider the comparative benefits of different sources of power from coal to geothermal sources.

In your second year you will also study the evolution of life on Earth and how geologists can use this knowledge to reconstruct a geological timescale stretching back a billion years. The evolution of life has constantly reacted to changes in environment and climate so you will also study the causes and driving forces behind changes in Earth’s climate and the evidence we have for these changes, locked away beneath your feet. All this information is written in the rocks and you will learn how to read them!

Students undertaking A Level Geology are expected to take part in the planned field trip programme to develop field skills and complete assessed coursework required by the OCR examining board. There is a minimum requirement of four days in the field over the 2 Year programme. Field work has included studies of the Jurassic Coast and day trips around Cornwall.

Other student funded geology trips are organised on an annual basis, sometimes abroad. Additionally, in March, there is a trip to Iceland, run by the geography department, which is also open to geology students if space allows.

PLEASE NOTE: That any disabled student wishing to take geology can still complete the course. There are plenty of accessible geological outcrops that can be incorporated into the field programme. Please contact the college for a detailed discussion of your needs to allow advance planning to be put in place.

Year 1

Development of practical skills in geology including fieldwork

Foundations in geology
Minerals and rocks
Fossils and time
Global tectonics
Earth structure
Plate tectonics
Geological structures
Interpreting the past
Sedimentary environments in time
Geochronology

Year 2

Development of practical skills in geology including fieldwork
(assessed in written examination and by practical endorsement)

Petrology and economic geology
Applied sedimentology
Fluids and geological processes
Igneous petrology
Metamorphic petrology
Mining geology
Geohazards
Earthquake geology
Risk analysis
Geohazards in the British Isles
Engineering geology
Geotechnics
Applied engineering
Basin analysis
Key concepts for basin analysis
The changing Earth
Evolution and applied palaeontology
Mass extinctions
Basin analysis in practice
Lagerstatten deposits
Oil and gas basins
Whole basin analysis

Year 1
1 written exam, covering all 1st year content

Year 2
3 written exams, covering all 1st and 2nd year content - component 1 Fundamentals of geology (41%), component 2 Scientific literacy in geology (37%) and component 3 Practical skills in geology (22%).

The Practical endorsement (component 4) is not assessed. It is based on the lab and field skills that are developed over the 2 years of the course as is reported separately.

You will be expected to undertake at least 4-6 hours of independent study time per week. Throughout the year you will be able to access additional support through drop-in sessions, dedicated revision workshops, tailored to 1-to-1 provision, as well as a variety of additional opportunities to stretch and challenge the most able students. We encourage you to proactively engage with the support available in order to reach your full potential.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including grade 6 or above in chemistry or combined science. Mathematics at grade 5 or above and English Language or Literature at grade 6 or above.

Designed to lead to Higher Education or into an HE Level Apprenticeship. Geologists are required in the oil industry, mining, materials science, hydrogeology (water resources), civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, public services, geohazard prediction and mitigation, scientific research (e.g. climate change, seismology) and education. Employment prospects are currently good.

We encourage all students to read widely and conduct their own research into the topics they are studying. You will be expected to undertake at least 4-6 hours of independent study time per week. There is a wide range of support material available in the Learning Resource Centres and on the course SharePoint site. Throughout the year, you will be able to access additional support and opportunities to stretch and challenge you.
 

Awarding Body:
OCR

To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk