NQ
Intermediate 2
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Intermediate 2

You usually take these courses if you:

  • have finished Standard Grade General level; or
  • want to take an alternative to Standard Grade Credit level; or
  • want to take up a new subject at school or college.

Generally, three national units (blocks of work that usually take 40 hours to finish) plus 40 hours flexible time make up these courses.

 

Geology: Intermediate 2

Why Geology?

This course is designed to enable you to gain knowledge and understanding of minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, geophysics and the ways in which the Earth and its life forms have changed through geological time. The study of Geology has made a big contribution to our natural, historical, intellectual and industrial heritage and plays a major role in civil engineering and environmental projects. The subject is a wide-ranging science and has links with chemistry, physics, biology and geography and is therefore useful for a variety of career paths.

Entry to the course

This is at the discretion of the school/college but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following

  • Intermediate 1 Geology units or course
  • Intermediate 1 or 2 Geography units or course
  • Intermediate 1 or 2 Chemistry / Physics / Biology units or course.

Course Outline

The course consists of three 40 hour units plus 40 hours flexible time.

Minerals and Rocks

This unit provides knowledge and understanding of:

  • minerals and rocks
  • rock forming processes
  • field relationships and rock structures.

Earth Physics and Earth Movements

This unit provides knowledge and understanding of:

  • earthquakes and the internal structure of the Earth
  • the principle of isostasy
  • geological structures and geological maps
  • plate tectonics.

History of the Earth

This unit provides knowledge and understanding of:

  • fossils and their use in stratigraphy
  • the principles of stratigraphy
  • the geological history and ancient environments of a chosen area.

Core Skills

  • Int. 2 (SCQF 5) Problem Solving  (Critical Thinking, Planning and Organising, Reviewing and Organising)
  • Int. 2 (SCQF 5) Numeracy ( Using Graphical Information)

Assessment

The course is assessed by a combination of internal assessment by the teacher/lecturer and an external examination, set and marked by the SQA.

 

 Progression

Successful completion of this course may lead to:

Intermediate 2 in

  • Managing Environmental Resources
  • Geography

 
Education and Training (NC/VQ); Employment in

  • Animals, Land & Environment
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Science & Mathematics