A Level Geology
Volcanoes erupt, Earth's plates shift, welcome to the only course at Runshaw which is 4 billion years in the making. Geology at Runshaw College is an exciting and vibrant subject with appeal to Science-based and Physical Geography students. It is a diverse and interesting subject with a mixture of applied, practical and theoretical work, delving into the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth. We examine the vastness of geological time and the record of life on Earth, together with the impact Geology has on our own lives through the exploitation of its mineral and energy resources.
- Course Information
- Course Code
- LAGEOLO
- Exam Board
- WJEC
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime
- Course Level
- Level 3
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Course Location
- Langdale Road, Leyland
- Age Group
- School Leavers (16-18)
- Course Duration
- 2 years
- Overview
The first year of the course concentrates on the fundamentals of geology, including rocks and the geological processes that formed them, structural geology and how rocks have been folded and faulted by stress, plate tectonics and how it works, why geologists examine fossils. The second year takes these concepts and examines them in more detail, applying them to real world sectors in which geologist have prominent roles, and applying them to big questions, such as how has life evolved and what causes climate change.
Course Highlights:
Trips abroad, university workshops and guest lectures from industry experts.
- Entry Requirements
Overall requirements for the A Level Programme at Runshaw College require a minimum of 5 GCSE subjects at Grade 5, in 5 separate national curriculum subjects (including a minimum of grade 4 in both English and Maths). It is expected that most students will study 3 subjects – the option of doing 4 subjects for students who have an average GCSE grade profile of 8 or above will be considered on an individual basis. For more information on your future career path, visit www.informedchoices.ac.uk. View all our A Level courses in detail by clicking here.
For this course, this must include a Grade 6 in Maths and a Grade 6 in Science or Geology.
- How will I be assessed?
Written examination 80%, coursework and practical work 20%.
- Progression Pathway
Students go on to study subjects such as Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geophysics and Geochemistry. Other degrees such as Civil Engineering, Oceanography and Archaeology also have a geological component. Careers in mineral exploration and mining, hydrology, hazard prediction and management, metallurgy and industrial chemistry, mapping and surveying, engineering and the energy industry are open to geologists.
On average, only medical and dentistry graduates earn more than geologists.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
