Why should I study Geology?

Geology, the science of the earth, is an interesting and challenging subject that helps understand the physical world in which we live. The subject covers a range of geological processes that operate at, or below, the earth’s surface. The AS course covers three main areas of Geology and is ideal for a one-year course. It is suitable if you are looking for a broad base in science at A Level and supports subjects such as geography – the ideas extend beyond GCSE Science and are complementary to A Level Geography.

What will I study?

AS Units

Unit 1: Global Tectonics
Module 1: Earth Structure
Module 2: Earthquakes
Module 3: Continental drift and plate tectonics
Module 4: Geological structures

This represents 30% of the total ASLevel.

Unit 2: Processes and Products
Module 1: The Rock Cycle
Module 2: Igneous processes and products
Module 3: Sedimentary processes and products
Module 4: Metamorphic processes and products

This represents 50% of the total AS Level marks.

Unit 3: Practical Skills
This represents 20% of the total ASLevel marks.

A2 Units

Unit 1: Environmental Geology
Module 1: Water supply
Module 2: Energy resources
Module 3: Metallic mineral deposits
Module 4: Engineering geology

This represents 30% of the total A2Level.

Unit 2: Evolution of Life, Earth and Climate
Module 1: Formation of fossils
Module 2: Morphology of fossils
Module 3: Evolution and mass extinctions
Module 4: Dating methods
Module 5: Changing climate

This represents 30% of the total A2Level.

Unit 3: Practical Skills
This represents 20% of the total A2Level.

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements plus GCSE Science grade C. Core Science, BTEC Science, Applied Science and OCR Science not accepted.

What skills do I need?

A science background would be beneficial
Good data and problem solving skills

How will I be taught?

Teaching methods are designed mainly to help you to understand geological processes as opposed to merely digesting facts. A variety of methods are employed – discussions, videos, practical work, individual research, ICT, problem-solving exercises, and fieldwork.

How is the course assessed?

The written examinations involve:
Unit 1: 1 hr written exam which includes 4 data questions, one of which has an extended answer section
Unit 2: 1¾ hr written exam which includes 5 data questions and 2 extended answer questions.
Unit 3: Practical skills.

1 Laboratory or Fieldwork Task
An OCR set task based on Geological maps, photographs and data or a field exercise that uses the same skills of measurement, observation and recording of data. This represents 10% of the total AS Level marks.

2 Evaluative Task
Evaluating results based on field or practical data provided by OCR. This represents 10% of the total AS Level marks

What will this course prepare me for?

These are diverse and provide opportunities for work indoors or out in the field. They include engineering, environmental work, geochemistry, geophysics, government agencies, mining, quarrying, natural hazard agencies, oil industry, scientific research, water industry (hydrogeology) and waste disposal.

Private Study

As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?

Not applicable.

Examining Board

OCR

Geology is for you if

You like to understand the way the earth moves under your feet and you can remember lots of information.

Geology is not for you if

You dislike science, are not very good at practical work and cannot remember simple definitions.