AQA A Level Environmental Science specification (7447)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Environmental Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Environmental Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Environmental Science (7447) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA A-level Environmental Science specification is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the interactions between human society and the environment. It develops learners’ ability to analyse environmental issues using scientific principles, evidence and practical investigation. The course promotes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on biology, chemistry, geography and physics to address real-world environmental challenges. It fosters critical thinking, quantitative skills and informed decision-making to support further study and careers in sustainability, conservation, and environmental management.
Subject content breakdown
The Physical Environment
- The atmosphere: composition, structure, dynamic processes
- The lithosphere: mineral formation, resources, mining impacts
- The hydrosphere: water bodies, hydrological cycle, resource management
- The biosphere: biome characteristics, productivity, conservation
- Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycles
- Dynamic equilibria and climate systems
Energy Resources
- Fossil fuels: formation, extraction, impacts
- Nuclear power and renewables: solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy
- Energy conservation and efficiency
- Energy strategies and policy
Pollution
- Properties and effects of pollutants
- Strategies for monitoring, control and management
- Case studies: oil spills, acid rain, radioactive waste, noise pollution
Biological Resources
- Agriculture: systems, sustainability, productivity
- Aquatic food production: fisheries, aquaculture
- Forestry and terrestrial food chains
- Genetic diversity and conservation strategies
Sustainability
- Life cycle analysis and ecological footprints
- Sustainable development and urban environments
- Circular economy, resource substitution and efficiency
Research Methods
- Fieldwork techniques and data collection
- Experimental design, sampling and ecological investigations
- Risk assessment and ethical considerations
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Covers: The Physical Environment, Energy Resources, Pollution
- Structured questions and extended responses
- 3 hours written exam
- 120 marks, 50% of A-level
Paper 2
- Covers: Biological Resources, Sustainability, Research Methods
- Structured questions and extended responses
- 3 hours written exam
- 120 marks, 50% of A-level
Practical Skills
- Required practical activities embedded across content
- Assessed through written exams, no separate practical endorsement
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level Environmental Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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