Geology (A Level)
Assessment- Year 1 and 2
100% Exam - final exams at the end of the AS/A Level and Practical Assessment - Exam board
EDUQAS
What Will You Learn?
Unearth the secrets beneath our feet. Geology is the scientific study of the Earth—the rock beneath our feet, the mountains that stretch above us, and the processes that have shaped our planet over millennia. Geology not only helps us understand Earth's past but also prepares us to face modern challenges like natural disasters, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Perfect for students with a passion for Earth sciences, environmental sustainability, and a curiosity about the planet's ancient and ongoing transformations. This course prepares you for careers in environmental consultancy, natural resource management, and academic research.
Modules
Year 1
AS Level:
Component 1/Paper 1: Geological Enquiry - Written examination 40% of the qualification
An investigation of the geology of an area shown on an accompanying simplified geological map. The component involves:
- the interpretation of hand specimens and photographs of minerals, rocks and fossils
- the interpretation of a geological map
- the construction of a geological cross-section
- the completion of data and stimulus response questions using short, structured and extended answers. A mineral data sheet accompanies this assessment.
Component 2/Paper 2: Foundation Geology - Written examination 60% of the qualification
An assessment which covers all the AS Geology content. This component involves:
- questions which require learners to respond to aspects of geology shown in photographs, maps, diagrams and graphs
- the completion of data and stimulus response questions using multiple-choice, short, structured and extended answers. A mineral data sheet may accompany this assessment on occasions.
Year 2
Component 1/Paper 1: Geological Investigations – Written examination 35% of the qualification
Section A: Two stimulus response questions requiring short and structured answers.
Section B: An investigation of the geology of an area shown on an accompanying simplified geological map, involving
- the interpretation of hand specimens and photographs of minerals, rocks and fossils
- map interpretation and cross-section construction
- the completion of questions using short, structured and extended answers.
Component 2/Paper 2: Geological Principles and Processes – Written examination 30% of the qualification
Six stimulus response questions requiring short, structured and extended answers.
Component 3/Paper 3: Geological Applications– Written examination 35% of the qualification
Section A: Geohazards. Two stimulus response questions requiring short and structured answers.
Section B: Geological map applications. An investigation of the geology of an area shown on a Geological Survey map extract using stimulus response questions requiring short, structured and extended answers.
Section C: Learners answer questions on one option from a choice of three. Each comprises three questions requiring short, structured and extended answers.
- Quaternary Geology – chosen topic
- Geological Evolution of Britain
- Geology of the Lithosphere
Practical Endorsement – Non examined assessment
Assessment of practical competency. Reported separately and not contributing to final grade.
Special Features
- Explore the formation and transformation of Earth's materials and structures, from minerals and fossils to tectonic movements.
- Field trips to geological sites to study Earth's processes firsthand.
- Get actively involved in the environmental campaigns in and around college.
Where Will This Lead?
A Geology qualification will support your application for a wide range of HE courses and is popular for a number of careers including surveying, town and country planning and environmental studies. As a geology student, you will develop your problem solving, teamwork and analytical skills, along with organisation and communication skills which are highly regarded by both employers and Russell Group universities.
