A Level Geology

Discover past environments and their impact on Britain's present environment and economic resources.

A level Geology will give you an understanding of how the Earth has been formed, why volcanoes and earthquakes occur where they do and how resources have been created over geological time and can be developed for our benefit.

About the Course

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its origin, its structure and the processes responsible for the formation of rocks. It is a subject with economic and environmental concerns because of human use of geological resources for water supply, metals, energy and the construction industry. Sociologically it can be an important tool in forensic science. Geology is for anyone interested in the environment as it is today as well as interpreting ancient environments by analysing the fossil and rock record. It records the evolution of life and past climates and helps us to understand earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that we must manage if life is to be safe and comfortable. Geology is a practical science that develops skills including laboratory and fieldwork investigations. Practicals are assessed and the A level is accredited with a practical endorsement of skills acquired. Hills Road has a fully equipped Geology lab and substantial stock of equipment for use on fieldwork.

Opportunities unique to this course

Studying Geology gives a unique insight into the processes of how planet Earth formed and has evolved over the past 4.5 billion years. The course provides a ‘hands-on’ approach to investigating the materials – rocks, minerals and fossils – either in the lab or on fieldwork, that preserve the evidence of past environments and often, catastrophic events.

Fundamentals of Geology

• Elements, minerals and rocks
• Surface and internal processes
• Time and change (fossils)
• Earth structure and global tectonics

Interpreting the Geological record

• Rock-forming processes
• Rock deformation
• Past life and climates
• Earth materials and natural resources

Geological Themes

• Geohazards
• Geological map applications
• Geology of the lithosphere (special option)

Consists of three written exams and one practical assessment:

Paper 1: Geological investigations (2hr 15mins, 35%)

Paper 2: Geological principles and Processes (1hr 45mins, 30%)

Paper 3: Geological applications (2hrs, 35%)

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

Geology is a physical science and provides an alternative route into a vast array of science degrees including; earth & environmental sciences, oceanography, volcanology, palaeontology, forensic science and resource-based courses, e.g. oil, mining and hydrogeology.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/geology