A Level Environmental Science Course AQA

The A Level Environmental Science Online course with Learn Now follows the AQA (7447) specification and is the same qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college.  Once completed, you will obtain UCAS points which will support progression to university in degrees such as Ecology, Sustainability and Geology.

This course would suit adult learners returning to education, students resitting exams or studying alongside other commitments, and learners looking to be accepted into University.

For this subject we do not offer the AS Level as a standalone qualification. If you decide to enrol onto this course, you would need to complete the Full A Level.

Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £395

Syllabus

This A Level Environmental Science course will give you a great understanding in the sustainability of our planet. Key topics include bio-physical environment, energy resources, pollution, circular economy and sustainability.

This subject is ideal for anyone interested in contemporary environmental issues, systems thinking and sustainability.

AQA no longer offer the AS Level as a standalone qualification for this subject.  The Full A Level has seven topics you will need to cover and these are listed below.

A Level Modules

In order for all living organisms to survive on Earth including us, we require water, suitable temperatures, air and energy from the sun. Biodiversity conservation helps maintain ecosystems, provides resources such as food and supports activities like agriculture and tourism. In this topic, you will cover:

  • Conditions for life on Earth
  • Conservation of biodiversity
  • Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning
  • Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

The Earth’s atmosphere provides air for breathing and protects all living organisms from harmful radiation. The hydrosphere is made up of oceans, rivers and groundwater which are essential for life on Earth. Mineral resources supply materials for construction and manufacturing whereas soils support plant growth providing a basis for food production and ecosystems. In this topic, you will cover:

  • The atmosphere
  • The hydrosphere
  • Mineral resources
  • Biogeochemical cycles
  • Soils

Resources produced by energy are needed to power homes, industries, transport and technology. Resources support economic growth and better living standards. Some resources are easier to access than others and some will last longer than others. The use of renewable energy will help ensure that energy is available in the future. In this topic, you will cover:

  • The importance of energy supplies in the development of society
  • The impact of the features of energy resources on their use
  • The sustainability of current energy resource exploitation
  • Strategies to secure future energy supplies
  • Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking.

Pollution is caused by harmful substances which cause damage to air, water or land. Environmental factors such as wind, rain, temperature and water can make pollution worse. People can help reduce pollution by controlling waste, treating emissions and recycling. In this topic, you will cover:

  • The properties of pollutants
  • How environmental features affect the severity of pollution
  • Strategies to control pollutants based on their properties and features of the environment
  • Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking.

Biological resources are used to meet people’s needs such as food and materials.

Agriculture and Aquatic food provide important sources of food and Forests provide timber, fuel, medicine and paper. In this topic, you will cover:

  • Agriculture
  • Aquatic food production systems
  • Forest resources

We need to use Earth’s resources in order to survive but sustainability can help us do so without harming the environment. We must consider energy sustainability, material cycles and the circular economy. In this topic, you will cover:

  • Dynamic equilibria
  • Energy
  • Material cycles
  • The circular economy
  • Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

As this is a science subject, you will cover research methods. Research methods will teach you how to collect data and study the information in order to better understand the world. In this topic, you will cover:

  • Scientific methodologies
  • Sampling techniques
  • Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

What can I do with an A Level in Environmental Science?

Students in the past have progressed onto the following degree courses:-

• Environmental Science • Aquatic Biology • Ecology
• Energy Studies • Biology • Biodiversity • Chemistry

Studying Advanced Level Environmental Science at University gives you all sorts of exciting career options, including:-

• Environmental consultant • Environmental education
officer • Environmental manager • Nature conservation
officer • Recycling officer • Sustainability
consultant • Waste management officer

Previous Knowledge Required

There are no previous entry requirements for this course, however students are expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy. 

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 24 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

Enrolment Fees

Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course.  This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.

Our enrolment fee includes:

  • All study materials covering the full specification.
  • Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
  • Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
  • Help completing university applications including UCAS and The Common Application.
  • Reference and predicted grade for University.
  • Assignment marking and feedback
  • Marked and graded practise examination papers
  • Eligibility for a Totum Card if you reside within the UK
  • Fast Track A Level if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.

The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior and this will be paid directly to the exam centre.

Assessments

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations/practicals at an AQA approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

A Level Exams
There are two exams for the full A Level qualification. The length of each exam is three hours long.

Paper 1 Paper 1 A Level Qualification

Practical Assessment
Please note that any examination centre accepting private candidates has to give them an opportunity to complete the fieldwork with them if they so wish. This means that the school will have to organise the fieldwork. However the student can choose not to complete the practicals but should be aware that by choosing not to do them they may be unable to access certain marks if they do not have the necessary knowledge available.

Please note 10% of the overall assessment of A-level Environmental Science will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above. At least 15% of the overall assessment will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.

A Level Environmental Science Online Course Outcome

On successful completion of all your exams for the course, you will be awarded the following qualification:

A Level in Environmental Science with AQA

Click here for more information about AQA and to be taken to their official website

FAQs

Still unsure? See below for more information on A Level Environmental Science

A Level Environmental Science combines real-life environmental issues with Biology and Geography.  You will need to be comfortable with these two subjects and also maths concepts.  If you struggle throughout the course, please check in with your tutor who will be able to help you further especially if it is a subject you haven’t covered previously.

For this course we offer a paper-based book which is:

  • Environmental Science A level AQA – Richard Genn

This all depends on what you wish to pursue after your A Levels but there are quite a few subjects that go well with Environmental Science such as Biology and Geography for their overlap in content. 

Also Chemistry due to factors such as pollution, water quality and energy resources.  You may also like the idea of Mathematics or Economics.

The AQA A Level Environmental Science course can only be taken within the UK and some British Overseas Territories.

You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete it much sooner if you want to.  Exams for this subject fall in May/June each year and therefore you are able to choose which exam sitting you want to apply for.  We have more information on exam timetables here.

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