United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 13 Geology.
This Year 13 Geology curriculum explores the complex history of our planet, the extraction of Earth's resources, and the management of geological hazards. Students will critically evaluate the intersection of geological processes and human society, preparing them for advanced study or careers in the geosciences.
01Earth Evolution and Palaeontology
An investigation into the history of life on Earth, focusing on the fossil record, mass extinctions, and the principles of stratigraphy.
Students investigate how the fossil record provides evidence for macroevolution and the diversification of life. They will analyse morphological changes in key fossil groups over geological time.
This topic explores the major mass extinction events in Earth's history, focusing on the Permian-Triassic and Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundaries. Students evaluate the geological evidence for catastrophic climate change and asteroid impacts.
Students apply principles of stratigraphy to correlate rock units and construct geological histories. They will utilise both relative and absolute dating techniques to understand the vastness of deep time.
02Geohazards and Risk Management
A critical analysis of the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, and mass movement events.
An in-depth analysis of earthquake mechanisms, focusing on the factors that determine seismic risk and vulnerability. Students will evaluate current methods for earthquake prediction and early warning systems.
Students examine the relationship between magma composition, tectonic setting, and eruptive style. The topic covers the monitoring of active volcanoes and the management of associated hazards like pyroclastic flows and ash falls.
This topic covers the triggers and mechanics of landslides, rockfalls, and tsunamis. Students will assess the role of human activity in exacerbating these hazards and explore mitigation strategies.
03Economic Geology and Natural Resources
An exploration of the geological processes that form valuable mineral and energy resources, alongside the environmental implications of their extraction.
Students investigate the hydrothermal, magmatic, and sedimentary processes responsible for concentrating economically viable metal ores. They will evaluate the environmental impacts of modern mining operations.
An exploration of the formation, migration, and trapping of hydrocarbons within sedimentary basins. Students will also discuss the transition towards unconventional resources and the implications for energy security.
This topic focuses on the storage and movement of groundwater within aquifers. Students will analyse the consequences of over-abstraction and groundwater pollution in the context of a changing climate.
04Engineering Geology and Human Impact
Applying geological principles to civil engineering projects and evaluating the long-term impact of human activities on the Earth system.
Students apply principles of physics to understand rock strength, stress, and strain. They will evaluate how geological structures like faults and joints influence the stability of engineering projects.
An examination of the geological site investigations required for major infrastructure projects such as dams, tunnels, and waste disposal facilities. Students will analyse case studies of engineering failures caused by poor geological understanding.
Students synthesise their geological knowledge to evaluate the concept of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch. They will examine the long-term geological signature of human activity on the Earth system.