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International A Level Marine Science Course

This A Level Marine Science Course has been designed to help students understand the science of the marine environment.

In this course, you will learn examples of different marine ecosystems including the ocean, tropical reefs, rocky and sandy shores.  You will also cover the human impacts on these ecosystems including global warming and its impacts.

General Certificate of Education in Marine Science

Enrolment Fee:

£495.00

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  • Cambridge
  • Full recognised qualification
  • IAS and/or IA2 Content Available
  • Enrol & start studying anytime.
  • Up to 24 months support
  • 360 Study Hours
  • Fast track available
  • Access to the online portal 24/7
  • eBooks provided
  • Practice exam papers
  • Predicted grade & reference
  • Same qualification as college

Description

The International A Level Marine Science course will provide you with a broad overview to marine biology.  You will learn the science behind water including particle theory, bonding, solubility in water, density and pressure.  You will also learn about the earth including tectonic processes, weathering, erosion, tides and currents.

Other chapters will cover marine ecosystems, classification and biodiversity along with physiology of marine organisms.

The course touches on parts of Chemistry, Biology and Geography and these stimulate an introduction to the science of the marine environment.

Progression

Marine Science provides exciting opportunities for learners who want to progress onto a Marine Biology Degree at university.

Once learners have gained a degree in this field or something similar, they can seek employment in marine research institutions, universities, international organisations and government agencies.

Courses that will compliment Marine Science include A Level Biology, Chemistry and Geography.

Cambridge Specification

Awarding Body: Cambridge

Course Code: 9693

Exams: June and November

Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

This A’ Level Marine Science Course will provide a coherent and stimulating introduction to the science of the marine environment. The content of the AS part of the course concentrates on the scientific study of the sea and its ecosystems, while the Cambridge International A Level part of the course concentrates on human activities that depend on the sea and have an impact on it.

The course will foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills, which are transferable to any future career path.

How will I benefit from the International A Level Marine Science Cambridge course?

The aims of this course are to enable learners to:

  • acquire knowledge and understanding and develop practical skills, including efficient, accurate and safe scientific practices
  • learn to apply the scientific method, while developing an awareness of the limitations of scientific theories and models
  • develop skills in data analysis, evaluation and drawing conclusions, cultivating attitudes relevant to science such as objectivity, honesty, enquiry and inventiveness
  • develop effective scientific communication skills, using appropriate terminology and scientific conventions
  • understand their responsibility to others / society and to care for the environment
  • enjoy science and develop an informed interest in the subject that may lead to further study.

Key Concepts

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Marine Science are:

Observation and experiment

The scientific process of observation and enquiry, experimentation and fieldwork are fundamental to marine science.

The science of water

Water is the key component of the oceans and an understanding of water at a molecular level underpins concepts such as salinity, pressure, density and the availability of key gases and nutrients, which in turn affect the distribution and abundance of living organisms.

Forming and shaping the ocean floor and coastlines

Dynamic interactions between the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere lead to the development of diverse marine habitats, which are subject to ongoing changes.

Organisms in their environment

The marine biome is the largest biome on the planet and contains many diverse habitats, within which organisms interact with the biotic and abiotic environment. The morphology, physiology and behaviour of organisms are adapted to niches within these habitats. By understanding this diversity, students will have a greater appreciation of the marine environment and the need for its conservation.

Human influences in local and global contexts

Human activities may have a local and global impact. The exploitation of marine resources and the disposal of waste in and around our oceans must be managed if our use of the oceans is to be sustainable for future generations.

Cambridge Marine Science Content Overview

YEAR 1 – IAS

Water

  • Particle theory and bonding
  • Solubility in water
  • Density and pressure

Earth processes

  • Tectonic processes
  • Weathering, erosion and sedimentation
  • Tides and ocean currents

Interactions in marine ecosystems

  • Interactions
  • Feeding relationships
  • Nutrient cycles

Classification and biodiversity

  • The classification of marine organisms
  • Key groups of marine organisms
  • Biodiversity
  • Populations and sampling techniques

Examples of marine ecosystems

  • The open ocean
  • The tropical coral reef
  • The rocky shore
  • The sandy shore
  • The mangrove forest

YEAR 2 – IA2

Physiology of marine organisms

  • General cell structure
  • Movement of substances
  • Gas exchange
  • Osmoregulation

Energy

  • Photosynthesis
  • Chemosynthesis
  • Respiration

Fisheries for the future

  • Life cycles
  • Sustainable fisheries
  • Marine aquaculture

Human impacts on marine ecosystems

  • Ecological impacts of human activities
  • Global warming and its impact
  • Ocean acidification
  • Conservation of marine ecosystems

Cambridge Assessment

There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Marine Science course with Cambridge

  1. AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.
  2. Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.  In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 3 & Paper 4).  If learners achieve a pass in all four papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Marine Science.
  3. Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 & Paper 4).

Exam Papers

Paper 1: AS Level Theory

Written Examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview: Structured and free-response questions based on the AS Level syllabus

75 marks

Paper 2: Data response:  AS Level data- handling and investigative skills

Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the AS level syllabus

75 marks

Paper 3: A Level Theory

Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview: Structured and free-response questions based on the A Level syllabus but knowledge of the AS Level syllabus content may be required.

75 marks

Paper 4: A Level Data- handling and investigative skills

Practical examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview: Structured questions based on the A Level syllabus but knowledge of the AS Level syllabus content may be required.

75 marks

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Most of our A Levels are available internationally. We offer A Levels with three different awarding bodies, AQA, Cambridge and Edexcel. If the course is only available via the AQA awarding body then of course you can still take our course, however the exams must be taken in the UK.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 300 and 360 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

For example, any A-Level course undertaken has a recommended 360 guided learning hours. Breaking down a 360 hour course into 12 weeks, you would need to be able to commit to 30 hours per week of studying. It is entirely up to you the amount of time you can commit to studying. But with online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Yes you will gain UCAS points and these depend on your final grade once you have completed your exams. 

For more information about UCAS points, please click here

All of our A Level awarding bodies will give you a full A Level qualification. There will be slight differences between the specifications and what you will actually learn. 

For the Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), there would be a difference in how you sit practical elements. 

AQA offers practicals but they are optional.

With the Cambridge exam board, you will be expected to perform the practical elements, they are compulsory. Which means finding an exam centre that has a lab for you to complete this. 

With Edexcel, the practical elements are all taught in theory and are assessed via a written exam, therefore you can sit your full exam at a typical Edexcel approved exam centre. 

More information about science practicals can be found here. 

In most cases yes, what we would ask is for the course codes that you have taken in sixth form/college and we will see if we can match them up. 

In most cases you can, If you go to the individual course page you should be able to see if this option is available for you. 

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. A-Level qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your A Levels in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, and references for university applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

The course will be delivered online and it will include Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Throughout your course, you’ll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do International Online A Levels work?

If you are a learner based outside the UK wishing to complete A Levels, you would need to opt for our International A Levels with either Cambridge or Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For International A Levels, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to university can receive help with references and predicted grades. We provide support for UCAS, the Common App or direct applications.

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