Environmental Science A-level
90980
- Start:
- September
- Duration:
- 2 years
- Level:
- 3
Course Details
Do you have a keen interest in the future of our planet? If so, this course is for you. It tackles some of the most pressing issues we face including climate change; water security; biodiversity loss; food production pressures and energy resources. There are multiple opportunities for lab practicals, local research projects, and fieldtrips to investigate human impacts on different types of ecosystems.
A-level Environmental Science will provide you with a broad understanding of the biological, chemical and physical processes of Earth and the problems currently affecting the plant and animal kingdom, including the human race.
Teaching and learning activities will include lectures; guest speakers; group work and presentations; maths skills; research projects; exam skills and essay-writing techniques; working in the college garden; data analysis of environmental issues; debates on environmental policy; simulations of environmental challenges; designing sustainable solutions for local problems; laboratory experiments exploring environmental chemistry and biology; all while focusing on critical thinking, research skills, and applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.
There are several types of work and activities that are done outside of the classroom to enhance learning and support your understanding of the subject. Wider reading is really essential, as is keeping up-to-date with contemporary environmental issues through a wide range of other media such as the internet and news outlet. There are four days of fieldwork activities in areas such as Farm Urban, Formby Point and the Lake District. Lab-work includes soils analysis, ecological investigations and water quality evaluation.
Basic stationery and files or laptop for lecture notes; scientific calculator; walking boots (can be provided); waterproof jacket and trousers (can be provided).
Fieldwork and deskwork career opportunities with Environmental Science are as varied as they are exciting. Options include: Agronomist; Ecologist; Environmental Lawyer; Environmental Planner; Horticulturalists; Meteorologist; Microbiologist; Oceanographer; Pollution Control Manager; Teacher; Water and Waste Management; Wildlife Manager and Zoologist.
You will need a minimum or five GCSEs, including English at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4 together with three other subjects at grade 4 or above.
Additional entry requirements:
- A minimum of a grade 5 in Maths and a grade 5 in GCSE Biology or a 5-5 in GCSE Combined Science
The College will always treat each applicant as an individual. Should you not have or not expect to obtain the grades stated above, or not have relevant industry-related experience, the College would still welcome your application for this course as this will enable us to identify whether this course is, in fact, the right course for you or whether another course may be more appropriate.
University Guarantee
Every Sefton Sixth Form College student who successfully achieves a Level 3 qualification and meets attendance and entry requirements, is guaranteed a place on a course at the Hugh Baird University Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions that we are often asked:
Most students study 3 subjects, plus an Enhancement activity. Alongside these, students are assigned a Personal Development group and attend weekly sessions.
Yes.
Yes, students can access our Bursary Package that can help with associated costs, for example; travel, food and equipment. Find out more here.
Yes. During the interview process you will be introduced to a member of our Learner Support Team if necessary. We will take initial details of access arragements. This can be discussed again at enrolment, with follow up appointments with the team during the first few weeks of term.
Yes. You will have timetabled sessions each day of the week. There will be times when you are not in a lesson; this is your personal study time. During these sessions you will be completing activities which mean you are prepared for your subject lessons. This includes completing homework, revision, Brainscape decks, coursework tasks etc.
