New GCEs for 2008

GCE Environmental Studies (2440)

A2 outline

At A2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their skills and understanding of ‘How Science Works’. Candidates will examine Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution, and Biological Resources and Sustainability.

The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution

Topic list

future problems of energy supply and how these may be resolved
properties of pollutants to explain why some materials or forms of energy cause environmental damage
minimising releases, treating effluents and managing the damage caused by pollutants.

Assessment

Written Paper:	1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks
Weighting:	25% of the total A Level marks

This unit comprises 7 compulsory short answer/structured/ comprehension questions (60 marks) and 1 essay from a choice of three titles (20 marks). Includes synoptic assessment.

Unit 4: Biological Resources and Sustainability

Topic list

factors controlling human population growth in relation to the demands placed upon the planet's resources and life-support systems
food production and forestry systems
study of the sustainability of human lifestyles.

Assessment

Written Paper:	2 hours 80 marks
Weighting:	25% of the total A Level marks

This unit comprises 5 compulsory short answer/structured/ comprehension questions (45 marks), 1 compulsory data analysis question (15 marks) and 1 essay from a choice of 3 titles (20 marks). Includes synoptic assessment.