New GCEs for 2008

GCE Environmental Studies (2440)

AS outline

At AS, this specification will develop foundation scientific knowledge and skills associated with the environment and how it works. Candidates will study the biodiversity of life on Planet Earth and Physical resources which are essential for life on Earth.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: The Living Environment

Topic list

reasons why the conservation of life on Earth is important
methods which may be used to achieve effective conservation
conservation in the UK, coral reefs, Antarctica and tropical rainforests
ecological relationships between organisms and their abiotic and biotic environment.

Assessment

Written Paper:	1 hour 60 marks
Weighting:	40% of total AS marks/20% of total A Level marks

This unit comprises 5 short answer questions (45 marks) and 1 structured question (15 marks).

All questions are compulsory.

Unit 2: The Physical Environment

Topic list

atmospheric gases, water and mineral nutrients
human exploitation and management of physical resources to provide higher material living standards
unsustainable natural resources.