Geology

Component 1 – Geological Investigations – Exam – Short answers and a practical test
• Elements, minerals and rocks and how they form
• Geological processes and the rock cycle
• Geological time and change
• Earth structure and global plate tectonics

Component 2 – Geological Principles and Processes – Exam – Data response questions
• Rock forming processes (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks)
• Rock deformation and structural geology
• Past life (palaeontology – including dinosaur evolution) and past climates
• Earth materials and natural resources (coal, oil, gas, water, minerals, metals)

Component 3 – Geological Applications – Exam – Short answers with some extended writing
• Geohazards and their management (volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and engineering geology)
• Geological maps and their uses
• Ice ages and Quaternary Geology (the last 2 million years of Earth history)

Examination (100%)
No coursework, but there are compulsory practical assessments and fieldwork activities that are required in order to achieve the practical endorsement.
Examining Board – Eduqas

A minimum grade 5 in Maths and grade 5s in two separate sciences or grade 5-5 in Combined Science are required. In addition, College’s standard A level entry requirements apply.

None. Although Geology sounds similar to Geography, the two subjects are very different in their content and can be studied together as part of an A level programme.

You can progress to university – Geology is a degree subject in its own right but it also supports degrees and careers in engineering, surveying and construction (particularly civil engineering) and can lead to jobs in the oil industry, in mining and extraction of minerals, and in environmental industries such as waste and water management. It is a science subject, so would also gain credit to support applications to science-based degrees and careers. It is also a useful subject if you are considering Geography or Environmental Science at university.

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of the course and each learner must spend a minimum of four days investigating geological issues outside of the classroom. There will be a small charge for transport to access local geological sites, but we anticipate that this will be less than £60 for the two-year course. There may be opportunities for residential field trips, but these will be on a voluntary basis.

Geology learners can also join the annual Model United Nation conference and the Team Gambia expedition. Core Maths can also support those students who are not undertaking A Level Maths. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an opportunity for Geologists to conduct research in a specific part of the discipline.