Geology AS level

O V E R V I E W

The AS course is studied as a two-year course with all exams taken at the end of Year 13

AS Geology is a new option for Sixth Form study at AGS. AS Geology may be an appropriate additional choice for pupils studying other Earth Science based subjects like Geography or for those studying the Sciences. Geologists are increasingly in demand and Earth Sciences are currently one of the most successful fields following further education. Pupils who have an interest in the planet we live on can take a great deal from this course and the range of transferable scientific skills required makes it a very useful qualification. The course aims to enable students to: • Use theories, models and ideas to develop geological explanations • Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define geological problems, present scientific arguments and geological ideas • Use appropriate methodology to answer geological questions and solve geological problems • Carry out fieldwork including the collection, compilation and analysis of data • Manipulate and extrapolate these sometimes incomplete data sets in both two and three-dimensions • Critically evaluate methodology, evidence and partial data sets

Course content and structure:

There are no options in the new AS Level so all students follow the same two-year course which is examined as follows;

Component 1: Geological Enquiries (40%

of qualification)

An investigation of the geology of an area shown on an accompanying simplified geological map - Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Component 2: Foundation Geology (60%

of qualification)

An assessment which covers all the AS Geology content - Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Pupils are also required to undertake a minimum of two days of work in the field in order to develop field observation and practical skills.

The WJEC Eduqas AS in Geology provides the foundations for the study of the Earth, its structures, evolution and dynamics. It develops four main concepts: • Elements, minerals and rocks • Surface and internal processes of the rock cycle • Time and change • Earth structure and global tectonics. There are no prior learning requirements in the subject of Geology i.e. if you did not study Geology at GCSE then you can still study AS Geology.

If you studied Geology at GCSE then you must have achieved a grade 6 or above.

If you have not studied Geology at GCSE, as a minimum requirement you must have gained a grade 6, preferably a grade 7 in Geography (if taken) and/or chemistry.

Entry requirements

Head of Department

Mr M Jones

Examination Board

WJEC