Environmental Science

Environmental Science offers an in-depth study  of the environment and factors which threaten the environment within society and  will enable you to form well-balanced opinions which you can support with logical arguments and objective scientific evidence. Environmental  Science is an applied subject so you will have plenty of chances to relate the topics covered to everyday issues and current affairs

Entry Requirements

6 in GCSE Science, English and Maths

Assessment

The A-level is assessed in June of the second year in two written exams. There is no coursework component. 

Each exam is 3 hours and worth 120 marks - 50% of A - Level.

Students with Environmental Science have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. It is a science subject that is recognised by university admission tutors.

There are a wide range of courses in the area which can lead to careers in countryside management, conservation and government bodies such as English Nature and the Environment Agency. Environmental Science is a very wide subject, accepted by unversities as a relevant science, not only for Environmental Science degrees, but also for related degrees such as oceanography, geology, marine biology and zoology. It can lead, with appropriate other subjects, to a wide range of careers including wildlife conservation,engineering, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environmental law, tourism, sustainable architecture, among many others.

Past students are employed in a variety of fields, including the petrochemical industry, biodiversity and conservation research (in the UK and abroad), environmental monitoring and management in the nuclear industry, veterinary science and agrochemicals.

 The Living Environment

This unit will help you understand the importance of biodiversity and the need for wildlife conservation. You will explore issues such as habitat management and captive breeding and release programmes. We will study projects in the UK, Antarctica and temperate and tropical forests.

The Physical Environment

This unit explores the impact and management on physical processes, including climate change, exploitation of water and geological resources to provide higher material living standards will also be covered.

Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

This Unit Explores the properties of pollutants to explain why some material or forms of energy cause environmental damage. It also explores how we can minimise releases, treat effluents and managing the damage caused by pollutants.

Biological Resources and Sustainability

Factors controlling human population growth in relation to the demands placed upon the planet’s resources and good life-support systems. Food Production and forestry systems.

Research Methods

You will understand the general principles of scienctific methodology and be able to apply these to a wide range of environmental situations and techniques.

Exam Board - AQA