A-Level Environmental Studies

Course Code: BA131
Award Level 3, Similar to - NVQ Level 3, A-Level

Gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment, and the scientific processes that control and affect it.

Develop an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate.
Explore environmental events, the human impacts on these events and cycles, and the strategies that can be used to minimise the problems caused.
The course also investigates food production, human population growth, energy resources, life on planet Earth, conservation in the UK and worldwide and life processes in the biosphere.

Course Content

AS Level

Unit 1: The Living Environment
Unit 2: The Physical Environment

A2 Level

Unit 3: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution
Unit 4: Biological Resources and Sustainability

Assessment

Unit 1: Written examination: 1 hour
Unit 2: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 3: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 4: Written examination: 2 hours

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual and study guide plus tutor support by email. Your A-Level course materials will be sent out in the post once you enrol.

Throughout the course there will be self-assessment questions, and tutor marked questions, to enable you to monitor your progress. You will receive envelopes in order to submit your assignments.

Qualifications

This course prepares students for A-Level Environmental Studies for examination in 2011 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive an A-Level in Environmental Studies.

Course Questions & Answers

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You will need to have a reasonable grade GCSE or "O" Level in Science and Mathematics. You will need a strong understanding of how science works, and be familiar with arithmetic, handling data, algebra, graphs and geometry.

Q: Is there a time limit for completion of this course?

There is no specific time limit to complete your home learning course, your only real deadlines are the A-Level examinations which take place every year during the summer. You can book on to these examinations when you are ready. Students are advised to contact AQA exam centres, as cut of dates for exams do change.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

All learning documentation and course materials
Unlimited Tutor Support via email

Q: Is there a required reading list?

You may wish to purchase the following textbooks:

AQA A Level Environmental Studies Student book, Richard Genn, Nelson Thornes 2008 (ISBN-10: 1408513900, ISBN-13: 978-1408513903)
Environmental Science: A Global Concern (Ninth Edition) William P. Cunningham, Mary Ann Cunningham & Barbara Woodworth Saigo, McGraw Hill Higher Education Publisher 2007 (ISBN-10: 0071105964, ISBN-13:978-0071105965)
Understanding GCSE Geography: For AQA Specification A (Understanding GCSE Geography), Ann Bowen and John Pallister, Heinemann Educational Publishers 2006; 3Rev Ed edition (ISBN-10: 0435351710, ISBN-13:978-0435351717)

Textbooks can be purchased from any good bookshop or you can purchase them directly from us.

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A-Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself, however we can provide a list of A-Level test centres around the country.

Q: Are there any additional costs?

You will need to purchase the books listed above and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the examining centre that you choose.

Q: What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A-Level course. You will however be required to take the examinations within the UK as this is the only reliable way to access you.

Q: How do I get my work assessed?

Every student is issued with envelopes in order to return your completed work to us. Once we receive your coursework we will mark it and return it to you.