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Geology (A-level)Apply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
Adult Loan Amount: 2225.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This course provides knowledge of the main aspects of geology as a science through three overarching concepts which link all topics studied:
* a scientific understanding of the Earth, its evolution and its sustainable development
* the central paradigms in geology: uniformitarianism (“the present is the key to the past”); the extent of geological time; and plate tectonics
* the cycling of matter and the flows of energy into, between and within the solid Earth, the Earth's surface, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the biosphere.
Entry requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
Course Content
Fundamentals of Geology
- F1 Elements, minerals and rocks
- F2 Surface and internal processes
- F3 Time and change
- F4 Earth structure and global tectonics
Interpreting the Geological Record
- G1 Rock forming processes
- G2 Rock deformation
- G3 Past life and past climates
- G4 Earth materials and natural resources
Geological Themes, a choice from:
- T1 Geohazards
- T2 Geological map applications
- T3 Quaternary geology
- T4 Geological evolution of Britain
- T5 Geology of the lithosphere
How will I be assessed?
There are three exams in the second year.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
There will be fieldwork in Wales in Year 1. In Year 2, there will be the possibility of fieldwork in Tenerife or the Isle of Arran. The charge will be £300 per year or less.
What can I do after this course?
Further Study
You could consider degrees such as a:
- BSc (Hons) Geology
- BSc (Hons) Geology and Planetary Science
Careers
- Engineering geologist
- Geotechnics
- Geochemist
- Geophysicist/field seismologist
- Geoscientist
- Hydrogeologist
- Mudlogger
- Wellsite geologist
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
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Evie Wisniewska
Aspirations Pay Off For Travel and Tourism Student
Former Travel and Tourism student Evie Wisniewska was inspired to aim high by her teachers at the Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills College so much so that she is working at managerial level early in her career.
Evie, a former pupil at Merrill Academy,came to the UK from Poland with her family when she was 12 and the initial language barrier took its toll on her confidence and self belief. She enrolled on the Travel and Tourism study programme at the Roundhouse and was initially unsure if this was something she wanted to do.
However, her teacher took the time to motivate her to achieve her potential and inspired her to aim for higher education.
Evie also embraced the work experience opportunities organised through her College study programme at Jury’s Inn and Alter Rock climbing centre in Derby which gave her a valuable insight into various aspects of the tourism industry.
She then progressed onto the University of Derby’s Buxton campus and graduated with a BA Hons First Class Honours degree in International Tourism Management before working at Skills Coaches as the Business Development Officer.
Evie is now working as Operations Manager at The Stay Company in the city where she is responsible for the marketing, letting and upkeep of the apart-hotel development of 29 high quality serviced apartments.
“The work experience I gained at both college and university has greatly prepared me for the world of work and to gain a managerial job with wide responsibilities so early in my career.
“At The Stay Company I am able to use my creative, financial, analytical and customer service skills in this role and my goal is to progress with The Stay Company as it expands across the East Midlands.”
Derby College gave me the self-belief that I could set my sights high in this industry and I am so grateful for the support I had from my teachers.
