Appendix C: Previous science learning

To develop skills and knowledge in A-level Environmental Science, students should have the skills and knowledge associated with at least GCSE Combined Science or equivalent. While an understanding of all GCSE Combined Science or equivalent topics is advantageous, there are a number of topics that have particular applications in A-level Environmental Science.

The following table illustrates the GCSE Combined Science topics that have particular applications in the development of skills and knowledge in A-level Environmental Science.

GCSE Combined Science topic	Application in A-level Environmental Science
Osmosis	Hydrosphere: unsustainable exploitation.
Levels of organisation within an ecosystem	Conservation of biodiversity. Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning.
The principle of material cycling	Biogeochemical cycles. Sustainability.
Biodiversity	Conservation of biodiversity. Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning. Sustainability.
The genome	The importance of the conservation of biodiversity: genetic resources captive breeding and release programmes. Agriculture: genetic manipulation.
Variation and evolution	The importance of the conservation of biodiversity: genetic resources captive breeding and release programmes. Agriculture: genetic manipulation.
Selective breeding and gene technology	The importance of the conservation of biodiversity: genetic resources captive breeding and release programmes. Agriculture: genetic manipulation.
Chemical symbols, formulae and equations, including reaction stoichiometry and masses of reactants and products	Global climate change Ozone depletion Biogeochemical cycles Energy Pollution
Chemistry of acids	Pollution: acid precipitation acid mine drainage heavy metals.
Electrolysis	Energy: fuel cells the hydrogen economy.
Exothermic and endothermic reactions	Energy Sustainability
Carbon compounds	Energy Sustainability
Life cycle assessment and recycling	Mineral resources Sustainability
Fractional distillation of crude oil and cracking	Energy: fossil fuels.
Different methods of extracting and purifying metals	Mineral resources Sustainability
The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere since its formation	Atmosphere
Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases	Atmosphere Sustainability: carbon footprints.
Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources	Pollution
The Earth’s water resources and obtaining potable water	The hydrosphere
Conservation, dissipation and national	Energy
Atomic structure	Energy: nuclear power. Pollution: ionising radiation.

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