Geology - A Level
Geology is the science of the solid matter that constitutes the Earth, encompassing the study of rocks, soil and gemstones. Geology is concerned with the composition, structure, physical properties, history and processes that have shaped the Earth’s physical structure. Thus, during the A Level, you will study the formation and history of the Earth’s physical environment – for example, geologic periods such as the Achaean, pre-Cambrian and Mesozoic; plate tectonics and resulting natural hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, etc; and human use of natural geologic resources such as oil and coal, minerals and gemstones.
Geology opens the pathway to careers in the oil, natural gas and coal industries, or in mineralogy and mining.
What will I study in Geology?
AS Units 1, 2 & 3
Global Tectonics: You will study the origins of the solar system, Earth’s structure as a whole, magnetism, continental drift, plate tectonic theory and the effects that tectonics may have on earthquakes and natural disasters. As well as studying terrestrial rocks, you will learn about what asteroids and meteorites can reveal about the structure of other planets, and what tools and techniques geologists have at their disposal to measure and predict geologic activity.
Rocks – Processes & Products: This unit focuses on the nature of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and how chemical and physical processes cause varied rock formation. You will examine the chemical and physical characteristics of a wide range of rocks, and study different geologic eras and rock types associated with these.
Fieldwork Task: A practical piece of coursework involving the observation, measurement, recording and analysis of a geological task.
A2 Units 4, 5 & 6
Environmental Geology: The A2 course moves on to the varied applications that geology has for water supply, energy resources, metallic mineral deposits, engineering and construction, and will further your knowledge of how and why geologic research is carried out in the real world.
Evolution of Earth, Life & Climate: Rocks provide, of course, major insights into the history of extinct life through the fossil record. Thus, you will examine how fossils are formed, fossil morphology, and what this reveals about how now extinct organisms adapted to their environment. You will study how geology is vital in piecing together the evolutionary record, and how the Earth has witnessed a number of mass extinctions in the past.
Fieldwork Task: A practical piece of coursework involving the observation, measurement, recording and analysis of a geological task.
How will I be assessed?
2 exams in the AS and 2 in the A2, based around a mixture of data response, short-answer questions and essays. You will also conduct a piece of practical fieldwork in the AS and the A2.
Do I need to have studied Geology before?
No, but an interest in Geology and Geography is important. You should be comfortable with basic Chemistry.
Who will teach me?
Martin Lailey has taught Geography and Geology A Level for almost 20 years. He has worked at London University as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant and visiting lecturer, lectured at international conferences, and published research in international journals. He continues to work in oil and gas prospects in Indonesia, NW Scotland and Norway, and on technical aid projects in less economically developed countries.
What subjects complement Geology?
Geology interrelates with other academic disciplines such as Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics and Mathematics.
What careers can Geology lead to?
Geology A Level is valued by universities and employers, as it requires you to demonstrate the ability to understand theoretical models and apply them to reality. Careers in Geology include mineral and mining engineering, the oil, coal and natural gas industries, environmental protection, or academic research – for example, vulcanology or palaeontology.