A level environmental science
Would really appreciate it if anyone could answer these questions 
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Original post by DerDracologe
Would really appreciate it if anyone could answer these questions
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
Hello DerDracologe!
Environmental Sciences: Is it right for you?😉 Do you like it (smiley winking)?
Environmental Science is a rather interesting field that deals with big issues such as climate change and keeping our planet in good condition. It can be difficult because you need a good knowledge of science, maths (calculus), organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and more else.
Getting your hands dirty: Fieldwork
Much of Environmental Science involves going out into the field. This means things like:
1.
Taking surveys and keeping an eye on the environment.
2.
Collecting and analysing samples
3.
Observing and noting what is happening in different ecosystems.
4.
Helping with citizen science projects
5.
Doing experiments and research
6.
Sampling and tests
How it compares with Biology and Geography
Environmental Science uses ideas from both Biology and Geography. If you have already studied Biology, this course will build on what you know. Geography is also useful, because knowledge of places and their changes over time is part of the picture.
Is Environmental Science for you? Here's how to find out.
To find out if you like it:
1.
Try some free online courses
2.
Read about environmental topics
3.
Chat with people working in the field or attend career events.
4.
Volunteer or participate in citizen science projects
1.
The course combines science with social and ethical issues relating to the environment. Aspects such as environmental regulations, how people affect the planet and what is right or wrong will be analysed.
2.
The resources are not as numerous as for other subjects, but there are still good books, online courses and other learning materials.
1.
If you like ecology, Environmental Science might be a good choice.
2.
Try the online courses, read a bit and talk to some experts to see if it is the right choice!
Sandro
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
Original post by DerDracologe
Would really appreciate it if anyone could answer these questions
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
The specification is split into:
3.1 The living environment
Further split into:
3.1.1 Conditions for life on Earth
3.1.2 Conservation of biodiversity
3.1.3 Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning
3.1.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.2 The physical environment
Further split into:
3.2.1 The atmosphere
3.2.2 The hydrosphere
3.2.3 Mineral resources
3.2.4 Biogeochemical cycles
3.2.5 Soils
3.3 Energy resources
Further split into:
3.3.1 The importance of energy supplies in the development of society
3.3.2 The impact of the features of energy resources on their use
3.3.3 The sustainability of current energy resource exploitation
3.3.4 Strategies to secure future energy supplies
3.3.5 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.4 Pollution
Further split into:
3.4.1 The properties of pollutants
3.4.2 How environmental features affect the severity of pollution
3.4.3 Strategies to control pollutants based on their properties and features of the environment
3.4.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.5 Biological resources
Further split into:
3.5.1 Agriculture
3.5.2 Aquatic food production systems
3.5.3 Forest resources
3.6 Sustainability
Further split into:
3.6.1 Dynamic equilibria
3.6.2 Energy
3.6.3 Material cycles
3.6.4 The circular economy
3.6.5 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.7 Research methods (Fieldwork?)(Runs throughout course)
Further Split Into:
3.7.1 Scientific methodologies
3.7.2 Sampling techniques
3.7.3 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
There does seem to be limited political/ethical content but not too much. Just research parts of the specification to see if you'd be interested but I think this A-Level would suit your interests, @DerDracologe.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 3
Original post by Nitrotoluene
Hello DerDracologe!
Environmental Sciences: Is it right for you?😉 Do you like it (smiley winking)?
Environmental Science is a rather interesting field that deals with big issues such as climate change and keeping our planet in good condition. It can be difficult because you need a good knowledge of science, maths (calculus), organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and more else.
Getting your hands dirty: Fieldwork
Much of Environmental Science involves going out into the field. This means things like:
Beware, the workload can be considerable. You may dedicate 3-5 hours per week to homework in addition to lectures and fieldwork. Tests will check whether you have understood the science, whether you can understand the data and whether you can think through the problems.
How it compares with Biology and Geography
Environmental Science uses ideas from both Biology and Geography. If you have already studied Biology, this course will build on what you know. Geography is also useful, because knowledge of places and their changes over time is part of the picture.
Is Environmental Science for you? Here's how to find out.
To find out if you like it:
What to expect
Conclusion
Kind regards from Italy!
Sandro
Environmental Sciences: Is it right for you?😉 Do you like it (smiley winking)?
Environmental Science is a rather interesting field that deals with big issues such as climate change and keeping our planet in good condition. It can be difficult because you need a good knowledge of science, maths (calculus), organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and more else.
Getting your hands dirty: Fieldwork
Much of Environmental Science involves going out into the field. This means things like:
1.
Taking surveys and keeping an eye on the environment.
2.
Collecting and analysing samples
3.
Observing and noting what is happening in different ecosystems.
4.
Helping with citizen science projects
5.
Doing experiments and research
6.
Sampling and tests
How it compares with Biology and Geography
Environmental Science uses ideas from both Biology and Geography. If you have already studied Biology, this course will build on what you know. Geography is also useful, because knowledge of places and their changes over time is part of the picture.
Is Environmental Science for you? Here's how to find out.
To find out if you like it:
1.
Try some free online courses
2.
Read about environmental topics
3.
Chat with people working in the field or attend career events.
4.
Volunteer or participate in citizen science projects
1.
The course combines science with social and ethical issues relating to the environment. Aspects such as environmental regulations, how people affect the planet and what is right or wrong will be analysed.
2.
The resources are not as numerous as for other subjects, but there are still good books, online courses and other learning materials.
1.
If you like ecology, Environmental Science might be a good choice.
2.
Try the online courses, read a bit and talk to some experts to see if it is the right choice!
Sandro
Thanks so much for your input! I will definitely take this into account and try out your suggestions for exploring the subject 🙂
Original post by Geo Lover 7
Hi, I've never had experience of this subject but looking at the specification (for AQA) Here. It seems to be a mix of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography with Maths Skills applied. I've also looked at the exams for you and there seems to be many questions that are low-tariff but there is also an essay at the end of both of the 2 papers.
The specification is split into:
3.1 The living environment
Further split into:
3.1.1 Conditions for life on Earth
3.1.2 Conservation of biodiversity
3.1.3 Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning
3.1.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.2 The physical environment
Further split into:
3.2.1 The atmosphere
3.2.2 The hydrosphere
3.2.3 Mineral resources
3.2.4 Biogeochemical cycles
3.2.5 Soils
3.3 Energy resources
Further split into:
3.3.1 The importance of energy supplies in the development of society
3.3.2 The impact of the features of energy resources on their use
3.3.3 The sustainability of current energy resource exploitation
3.3.4 Strategies to secure future energy supplies
3.3.5 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.4 Pollution
Further split into:
3.4.1 The properties of pollutants
3.4.2 How environmental features affect the severity of pollution
3.4.3 Strategies to control pollutants based on their properties and features of the environment
3.4.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.5 Biological resources
Further split into:
3.5.1 Agriculture
3.5.2 Aquatic food production systems
3.5.3 Forest resources
3.6 Sustainability
Further split into:
3.6.1 Dynamic equilibria
3.6.2 Energy
3.6.3 Material cycles
3.6.4 The circular economy
3.6.5 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.7 Research methods (Fieldwork?)(Runs throughout course)
Further Split Into:
3.7.1 Scientific methodologies
3.7.2 Sampling techniques
3.7.3 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
There does seem to be limited political/ethical content but not too much. Just research parts of the specification to see if you'd be interested but I think this A-Level would suit your interests, @DerDracologe.
The specification is split into:
3.1 The living environment
Further split into:
3.1.1 Conditions for life on Earth
3.1.2 Conservation of biodiversity
3.1.3 Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning
3.1.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.2 The physical environment
Further split into:
3.2.1 The atmosphere
3.2.2 The hydrosphere
3.2.3 Mineral resources
3.2.4 Biogeochemical cycles
3.2.5 Soils
3.3 Energy resources
Further split into:
3.3.1 The importance of energy supplies in the development of society
3.3.2 The impact of the features of energy resources on their use
3.3.3 The sustainability of current energy resource exploitation
3.3.4 Strategies to secure future energy supplies
3.3.5 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.4 Pollution
Further split into:
3.4.1 The properties of pollutants
3.4.2 How environmental features affect the severity of pollution
3.4.3 Strategies to control pollutants based on their properties and features of the environment
3.4.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.5 Biological resources
Further split into:
3.5.1 Agriculture
3.5.2 Aquatic food production systems
3.5.3 Forest resources
3.6 Sustainability
Further split into:
3.6.1 Dynamic equilibria
3.6.2 Energy
3.6.3 Material cycles
3.6.4 The circular economy
3.6.5 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
3.7 Research methods (Fieldwork?)(Runs throughout course)
Further Split Into:
3.7.1 Scientific methodologies
3.7.2 Sampling techniques
3.7.3 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
There does seem to be limited political/ethical content but not too much. Just research parts of the specification to see if you'd be interested but I think this A-Level would suit your interests, @DerDracologe.
Thanks you for the info you’ve gathered Geo 🙂 Really appreciate it!
Reply 4
Original post by DerDracologe
Thanks so much for your input! I will definitely take this into account and try out your suggestions for exploring the subject 🙂
Thanks you for the info you’ve gathered Geo 🙂 Really appreciate it!
Thanks you for the info you’ve gathered Geo 🙂 Really appreciate it!
Reply 5
Original post by Geo Lover 7
You're welcome. Does the Chemistry put you off at all? The Chemistry included is to do with the environment.
Yeah chemistry was a source of frustration at gcse but hopefully should be fine in the context of the environment. I think im more concerned about it possibly being similar to politics which i also did at gcse (the exam style seemed quite similar in parts…) but its a science subject so hoping the questions want a more science-y answer than a political type one
No idea if that makes sense!(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 6
Original post by DerDracologe
Yeah chemistry was a source of frustration at gcse but hopefully should be fine in the context of the environment. I think im more concerned about it possibly being similar to politics which i also did at gcse (the exam style seemed quite similar in parts…) but its a science subject so hoping the questions want a more science-y answer than a political type one No idea if that makes sense!
No idea if that makes sense!Reply 7
Original post by Geo Lover 7
There were a few economic questions on the exam papers I looked at and 1 political question. There was also a question on penguin population density which I found cute.
Good to know, i will look through some more past papers at some point and maybe mark schemes too. Penguins are adorable 🐧
Reply 8
Original post by DerDracologe
Would really appreciate it if anyone could answer these questions
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
1. What are the fieldwork requirements?
2. Is this a respected subject?
3. Whats the workload like?
4. What are the exams like?
5. How does it compare to Biology and Geography (i do a level bio but haven’t done geography since year 9)
6. What could i do to see if this specifically will be a subject that interests me?
7. Is it mostly focused on science or is there a lot of political or ethics type content?
8. Is it true that there are barely any resources for this subject? Ive looked and there seems to be a few but not loads and ive heard the textbook isnt great but im not sure how true this is.
Thanks in advance for any responses, i just want an idea about whether this is a good subject for me to take or not. For context im already studying maths and biology as a year 12 and hope to study something like ecology or zoology in the future.
@Trickia
Reply 9
Original post by DerDracologe
No problem will forward them to my friend! Geography knowledge is handful but not necessary as my friend (who takes e.s) didnt go geography gcse. It really is like bio and Geo had a kid so it focuses mainly on biodiversity etc. Textbook wise if you do Aqa their textbook is the best, it really is making flashcards/mind maps like biology! If you haven't already I suggest you look at the exam papers to get a general gist of how it runs.
(these answers are based off me as I did a taster and got this info from my own knowledge and the teacher)! Also my friend is interested in ecology that field so I think its quite handy xx
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 10
Original post by Trickia
No problem will forward them to my friend! Geography knowledge is handful but not necessary as my friend (who takes e.s) didnt go geography gcse. It really is like bio and Geo had a kid so it focuses mainly on biodiversity etc. Textbook wise if you do Aqa their textbook is the best, it really is making flashcards/mind maps like biology! If you haven't already I suggest you look at the exam papers to get a general gist of how it runs.
(these answers are based off me as I did a taster and got this info from my own knowledge and the teacher)! Also my friend is interested in ecology that field so I think its quite handy xx
(these answers are based off me as I did a taster and got this info from my own knowledge and the teacher)! Also my friend is interested in ecology that field so I think its quite handy xx
Thanks so much! Also you’ve created a cool new fusion word ‘handful’ as an adjective (useful+handy?). Yeah i would be doing AQA, will look at some past papers for sure.
Reply 11
Original post by DerDracologe
Thanks so much! Also you’ve created a cool new fusion word ‘handful’ as an adjective (useful+handy?). Yeah i would be doing AQA, will look at some past papers for sure.
No problem and that's so silly of me - you got it spot on
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/revision/aqa/how-to-revise-for-a-level-environmental-science-exams-aqa-explains-what-to-do
Not sure if the link will work but AQA has advice for each subject (this popped up just now lol) and I used it for maths and during GCSEs🤭
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 12
Original post by Trickia
No problem will forward them to my friend! Geography knowledge is handful but not necessary as my friend (who takes e.s) didnt go geography gcse. It really is like bio and Geo had a kid so it focuses mainly on biodiversity etc. Textbook wise if you do Aqa their textbook is the best, it really is making flashcards/mind maps like biology! If you haven't already I suggest you look at the exam papers to get a general gist of how it runs.
(these answers are based off me as I did a taster and got this info from my own knowledge and the teacher)! Also my friend is interested in ecology that field so I think its quite handy xx
(these answers are based off me as I did a taster and got this info from my own knowledge and the teacher)! Also my friend is interested in ecology that field so I think its quite handy xx
Geography and Biology seem to be the biological parents with Chemistry and Physics as uncles/aunties.
Reply 13
Original post by Geo Lover 7
Looking at the specification, I recognise many of the topics from Geography (Deforestation, Carbon Cycle, Elements of Global Governance and I think we do about Soils in Year 13) @DerDracologe
Geography and Biology seem to be the biological parents with Chemistry and Physics as uncles/aunties.
Geography and Biology seem to be the biological parents with Chemistry and Physics as uncles/aunties.
That's such an accurate description 😂
Reply 14
1. There is one compulsory trip to shewsbury in June of y12 where you will be doing fieldwork. I think this is just for two days but I might be wrong. Apart from little practicals you do around school this is the only fieldwork as far as Im aware.
2. Yes, I would say it is respected because quite a lot of people take it (more than I expected there to be). I think it is more respected than say geography or other Earth sciences if this helps give you an idea of how respected it is.
3. I get set 4 hours of homework each week so it can be quite a lot of work but they are consistent with it and dont set any suprise homework thats due for the next day. This is the only work outside of lesson I have to do for it, and when there is a test coming up this will be included in the 4 hours.
4. I can't remember the specifics of the exam, but I know that it is only one or two papers and they are maybe 2-3 hours long so it is a very long exam. The paper is composed mostly of short answer questions, but you can get a 5 and 9 mark questions. At the end of the paper there is an essay question worth 25 marks with two questions you can choose between.
5. I hadn't done geography since y9 either but they go over the content from GCSE geography that is in the course so that wont put you at a disadvantage. I dont do A level biology but hearing from my friends whats covered in the course it doesnt seem like there is any overlap. However the first unit of the course is 'The living environment' and this contains quite a lot of GCSE biology content that is explored in more depth.
6. Because most of the course is concepts which were covered in GCSE just explored in more depth, you could just look at the course overview and if there are topics covered in it that you liked at GCSE then you will hopefully know if you will enjoy then subject. Also, if you could get a hold of the textbook mqybe from someone you know then you couls skim through that to get a sense of whether the subject is for you.
7. I think its mostly science but there is some ethics and politics. An example of where there is politics is when we covered local, national, and international legislations and why they may or may not work. An example of where there is ethics is when we were doing the lithosphere we covered mining, and we looked at whether this was ethical based on the damage it did to ecosystems and the surroinding environment and communities.
8. The textbook is absolutely amazing! It is so helpful and my teacher loves it so much, we use it for most of our research and in homework. I haven't really tried to look for many other resources because I just use the textbook, my notes, and the teacher's powerpoints so I'm not too sure about other resources.
My friend did tailor it slightly to our school but it still applies anyway! Hoped this helps xx (on the app so I can't tag you)
2. Yes, I would say it is respected because quite a lot of people take it (more than I expected there to be). I think it is more respected than say geography or other Earth sciences if this helps give you an idea of how respected it is.
3. I get set 4 hours of homework each week so it can be quite a lot of work but they are consistent with it and dont set any suprise homework thats due for the next day. This is the only work outside of lesson I have to do for it, and when there is a test coming up this will be included in the 4 hours.
4. I can't remember the specifics of the exam, but I know that it is only one or two papers and they are maybe 2-3 hours long so it is a very long exam. The paper is composed mostly of short answer questions, but you can get a 5 and 9 mark questions. At the end of the paper there is an essay question worth 25 marks with two questions you can choose between.
5. I hadn't done geography since y9 either but they go over the content from GCSE geography that is in the course so that wont put you at a disadvantage. I dont do A level biology but hearing from my friends whats covered in the course it doesnt seem like there is any overlap. However the first unit of the course is 'The living environment' and this contains quite a lot of GCSE biology content that is explored in more depth.
6. Because most of the course is concepts which were covered in GCSE just explored in more depth, you could just look at the course overview and if there are topics covered in it that you liked at GCSE then you will hopefully know if you will enjoy then subject. Also, if you could get a hold of the textbook mqybe from someone you know then you couls skim through that to get a sense of whether the subject is for you.
7. I think its mostly science but there is some ethics and politics. An example of where there is politics is when we covered local, national, and international legislations and why they may or may not work. An example of where there is ethics is when we were doing the lithosphere we covered mining, and we looked at whether this was ethical based on the damage it did to ecosystems and the surroinding environment and communities.
8. The textbook is absolutely amazing! It is so helpful and my teacher loves it so much, we use it for most of our research and in homework. I haven't really tried to look for many other resources because I just use the textbook, my notes, and the teacher's powerpoints so I'm not too sure about other resources.
My friend did tailor it slightly to our school but it still applies anyway! Hoped this helps xx (on the app so I can't tag you)
Reply 15
Original post by Geo Lover 7
Looking at the specification, I recognise many of the topics from Geography (Deforestation, Carbon Cycle, Elements of Global Governance and I think we do about Soils in Year 13) @DerDracologe
Geography and Biology seem to be the biological parents with Chemistry and Physics as uncles/aunties.
Geography and Biology seem to be the biological parents with Chemistry and Physics as uncles/aunties.
Thanks for this Geo, really helpful. I might go and do the geography seneca for these topics at some point to see if it interests me.
Original post by Trickia
1. There is one compulsory trip to shewsbury in June of y12 where you will be doing fieldwork. I think this is just for two days but I might be wrong. Apart from little practicals you do around school this is the only fieldwork as far as Im aware.
2. Yes, I would say it is respected because quite a lot of people take it (more than I expected there to be). I think it is more respected than say geography or other Earth sciences if this helps give you an idea of how respected it is.
3. I get set 4 hours of homework each week so it can be quite a lot of work but they are consistent with it and dont set any suprise homework thats due for the next day. This is the only work outside of lesson I have to do for it, and when there is a test coming up this will be included in the 4 hours.
4. I can't remember the specifics of the exam, but I know that it is only one or two papers and they are maybe 2-3 hours long so it is a very long exam. The paper is composed mostly of short answer questions, but you can get a 5 and 9 mark questions. At the end of the paper there is an essay question worth 25 marks with two questions you can choose between.
5. I hadn't done geography since y9 either but they go over the content from GCSE geography that is in the course so that wont put you at a disadvantage. I dont do A level biology but hearing from my friends whats covered in the course it doesnt seem like there is any overlap. However the first unit of the course is 'The living environment' and this contains quite a lot of GCSE biology content that is explored in more depth.
6. Because most of the course is concepts which were covered in GCSE just explored in more depth, you could just look at the course overview and if there are topics covered in it that you liked at GCSE then you will hopefully know if you will enjoy then subject. Also, if you could get a hold of the textbook mqybe from someone you know then you couls skim through that to get a sense of whether the subject is for you.
7. I think its mostly science but there is some ethics and politics. An example of where there is politics is when we covered local, national, and international legislations and why they may or may not work. An example of where there is ethics is when we were doing the lithosphere we covered mining, and we looked at whether this was ethical based on the damage it did to ecosystems and the surroinding environment and communities.
8. The textbook is absolutely amazing! It is so helpful and my teacher loves it so much, we use it for most of our research and in homework. I haven't really tried to look for many other resources because I just use the textbook, my notes, and the teacher's powerpoints so I'm not too sure about other resources.
My friend did tailor it slightly to our school but it still applies anyway! Hoped this helps xx (on the app so I can't tag you)
2. Yes, I would say it is respected because quite a lot of people take it (more than I expected there to be). I think it is more respected than say geography or other Earth sciences if this helps give you an idea of how respected it is.
3. I get set 4 hours of homework each week so it can be quite a lot of work but they are consistent with it and dont set any suprise homework thats due for the next day. This is the only work outside of lesson I have to do for it, and when there is a test coming up this will be included in the 4 hours.
4. I can't remember the specifics of the exam, but I know that it is only one or two papers and they are maybe 2-3 hours long so it is a very long exam. The paper is composed mostly of short answer questions, but you can get a 5 and 9 mark questions. At the end of the paper there is an essay question worth 25 marks with two questions you can choose between.
5. I hadn't done geography since y9 either but they go over the content from GCSE geography that is in the course so that wont put you at a disadvantage. I dont do A level biology but hearing from my friends whats covered in the course it doesnt seem like there is any overlap. However the first unit of the course is 'The living environment' and this contains quite a lot of GCSE biology content that is explored in more depth.
6. Because most of the course is concepts which were covered in GCSE just explored in more depth, you could just look at the course overview and if there are topics covered in it that you liked at GCSE then you will hopefully know if you will enjoy then subject. Also, if you could get a hold of the textbook mqybe from someone you know then you couls skim through that to get a sense of whether the subject is for you.
7. I think its mostly science but there is some ethics and politics. An example of where there is politics is when we covered local, national, and international legislations and why they may or may not work. An example of where there is ethics is when we were doing the lithosphere we covered mining, and we looked at whether this was ethical based on the damage it did to ecosystems and the surroinding environment and communities.
8. The textbook is absolutely amazing! It is so helpful and my teacher loves it so much, we use it for most of our research and in homework. I haven't really tried to look for many other resources because I just use the textbook, my notes, and the teacher's powerpoints so I'm not too sure about other resources.
My friend did tailor it slightly to our school but it still applies anyway! Hoped this helps xx (on the app so I can't tag you)
This is amazing, thanks so much!
Reply 16
Original post by DerDracologe
Thanks for this Geo, really helpful. I might go and do the geography seneca for these topics at some point to see if it interests me.
This is amazing, thanks so much!
This is amazing, thanks so much!
Reply 17
Original post by DerDracologe
Thanks for this Geo, really helpful. I might go and do the geography seneca for these topics at some point to see if it interests me.
This is amazing, thanks so much!
This is amazing, thanks so much!
No worries hope this helps xx
Reply 18
@mable_mat15 @en1234 @Dexd @jalena234
Sorry to bother you all but I wanted to tag you to see if you had any experience to share of environmental science a level as Ive come across all of you posting about it on TSR. Any advice you can give me as to whether I should choose this subject or any answers to the questions in the OP would be greatly appreciated 🙂
Sorry to bother you all but I wanted to tag you to see if you had any experience to share of environmental science a level as Ive come across all of you posting about it on TSR. Any advice you can give me as to whether I should choose this subject or any answers to the questions in the OP would be greatly appreciated 🙂
(edited 1 month ago)
Hi! I’m in my 2nd year of A Level ES and would definitely recommend the subject! I agree with all of what has already been said and yes would definitely recommend looking over some exam papers AND mark schemes to help determine whether you should take it.
I wouldn’t say there is much crossover with economics…The subject is primarily focused on the environment/ environmental impacts of basically everything in life I guess?! I think the most you’d get asked about politics would be something like “Discuss how social and political factors can increase use of fossil fuels” or something similar. You get a choice of 2 essays in each exam but I’m almost certain this sort of question wouldn’t come up as an essay question, maybe a 9 marker at most?
There’s nothing opinion/ ethics based whatsoever, it’s a science after all.
With regards to it being well respected (something I was worried about when choosing it!) I’ve received offers from Exeter and Cardiff to study Law, and am still waiting on Bristol but feeling hopeful So I would say yes! It’s a subject that is important in life/ any career really and applies to almost everything I’d say.
It’s true there is a slight lack of decent resources for the subject but it’s doesn’t limit me, I’d say the textbook is overall pretty decent and any gaps are usually covered in class anyway so I just add any missing points to the book. As long as you keep up with the work and create your own resources as you go, I think you would be fine.
If you want to study ecology or zoology I’d definitely recommend environmental science!
Hope this helps
I wouldn’t say there is much crossover with economics…The subject is primarily focused on the environment/ environmental impacts of basically everything in life I guess?! I think the most you’d get asked about politics would be something like “Discuss how social and political factors can increase use of fossil fuels” or something similar. You get a choice of 2 essays in each exam but I’m almost certain this sort of question wouldn’t come up as an essay question, maybe a 9 marker at most?
There’s nothing opinion/ ethics based whatsoever, it’s a science after all.
With regards to it being well respected (something I was worried about when choosing it!) I’ve received offers from Exeter and Cardiff to study Law, and am still waiting on Bristol but feeling hopeful
So I would say yes! It’s a subject that is important in life/ any career really and applies to almost everything I’d say. It’s true there is a slight lack of decent resources for the subject but it’s doesn’t limit me, I’d say the textbook is overall pretty decent and any gaps are usually covered in class anyway so I just add any missing points to the book. As long as you keep up with the work and create your own resources as you go, I think you would be fine.
If you want to study ecology or zoology I’d definitely recommend environmental science!
Hope this helps
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