AQA A level Environmental Science (Biological components)

Description

The AQA A-Level Environmental Science course provides a detailed exploration of biological systems and their interaction with human activities, focusing on sustainable resource management. This course integrates scientific knowledge with practical skills and emphasizes solutions to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Course Highlights:

Module 1: Agriculture

• Agroecosystems: Learn about selecting species and controlling abiotic and biotic factors to optimize food production.
• Manipulation of Food Species: Study methods like genetic engineering, selective breeding, and energy efficiency in agriculture.
• Environmental Impacts of Agriculture: Analyze habitat destruction, pollution, and changes to hydrological cycles.
• Sustainability Strategies: Explore integrated pest control, nutrient recycling, and low-energy farming techniques.

Module 2: Aquatic Food Production Systems

• Marine Productivity: Understand nutrient availability and light’s role in controlling productivity in aquatic ecosystems.
• Fishing: Examine methods, impacts of overfishing, by-catch, and sustainable practices like quotas and no-take zones.
• Aquaculture: Compare extensive and intensive systems, focusing on productivity, environmental impacts, and sustainability measures.

Module 3: Forest Resources

• Ecosystem Services: Study forests’ role in atmospheric regulation, biodiversity, and hydrological cycles.
• Deforestation: Investigate its causes, effects on resources, biodiversity loss, and soil and climate impacts.
• Sustainable Forest Management: Learn about mixed-species plantations, selective logging, and indigenous species conservation.

Key Features of the Course:

• Real-World Applications: Address global issues like food security, pollution, and sustainable resource use.
• Hands-On Learning: Conduct experiments and data analysis on topics like nitrate use, soil moisture, and fish population sustainability.
• Critical Thinking Development: Use statistical tools (e.g., t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test) to evaluate environmental data.

Skills Developed:

• Application of scientific principles to environmental problems.
• Statistical and data analysis for environmental studies.
• Planning and conducting practical investigations in diverse ecosystems.

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing environmental issues and pursue careers in environmental science, conservation, and sustainable development.

Start your journey to sustainability with AQA A-Level Environmental Science.