A Level in Environmental Science (AS/A2)

Course Synopsis :
Oxford College ODL offer this full A Level course in Environmental Science. On completion of your two part course you will be able to:

Better understand the interactions between the environment and the organisms living within it

Learn about social and ethical issues involved in the use of, and demand for, water and energy

Understand how conflicts of interest can arise between farmers, conservationists and
consumers

Develop an understanding of relevant scientific methods through practical work and fieldwork

Course Content :

Unit 1: Energy, the Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
The atmosphere
Solar radiation and energy transfer
The hydrological and carbon cycles
The greenhouse effect and climate change
Ultraviolet light and the ozone layer
Global homeostasis and feedback
Microclimates
The demand for water
Obtaining and treating water
Energy use
Fossil fuels
Nuclear power
Geothermal, solar and wind power, and biofuels
Power from water
Global energy use

Unit 2: The Lithosphere
Types of rock
The rock cycle
Biogeochemical cycles
How is soil formed?
The properties of soil
Soil analysis
Soil erosion
Sources of, and demand for, minerals
Non-metal minerals
Environmental impacts of mineral extraction
Land use
Management of derelict and polluted land
Resolving conflict between different land users
Enhancing the environment for amenity use

Unit 3: The Biosphere
Conditions for life on Earth
Autotrophic nutrition
Respiration and heterotrophic nutrition
Food chains and webs
Energy flow through ecosystems
Studying ecosystems
Succession and zonation
Species diversity
Measuring population size and density
Changes in populations
Human populations
Wildlife conservation
National and international conservation

Unit 4: Biotic Resource Management
Population and resources
Types of production system 1
Types of production system 2
Choosing species for human food
Selective breeding and genetic engineering
Environmental impact of agriculture
Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture
Marine ecosystems
Management of marine ecosystems
The purpose of forests
Forest management

Unit 5: Pollution and physical resource management
Introduction to pollution
Types and control of solid waste
Methods of solid waste treatment
Salvage and recycling
Water conservation and management
Water pollution 1
Water pollution 2
Monitoring water pollution
The global atmospheric system and climate change
Acid rain
The ozone layer and smogs
Noise pollution
Radiation

Unit 6: Practical component
Planning an experiment
Presenting date and using statistical analysis 1
Presenting data and using statistical analysis 2
Interpreting and evaluating experimental data

Entry Requirements :
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Study Hours :
Variable by student commitment

Qualification :
AS/A2 - A level in Environmental Science (AQA). Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

What's Included :
Postage and packing, unlimited full tutor support. Students are required to arrange and pay for examinations. Details of examination dates and examination enrolment deadlines are included in the 'Student Welcome Pack' which also comes with course materials.

Additional Information
You must have a science GCSE grade A-C to enrol on this course

Course Fee :
£295.00 - Full A Level (AS and A2 courses)