Cambridge (CIE) O Level Environmental Management specification (5014)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Environmental Management 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level Environmental Management 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level Environmental Management (5014) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge O Level Environmental Management enables learners to explore the interdependence of natural systems and human societies. The course focuses on understanding natural processes, the use of natural resources, and the impact of human activities on the environment. It encourages a critical awareness of sustainable development and the need for responsible environmental management. By integrating knowledge from biology, earth science, geography, and economics, the syllabus fosters analytical skills, environmental awareness, and a global perspective, preparing learners for active participation in local and global environmental concerns.
Subject content breakdown
1 Rocks and minerals and their exploitation
- The rock cycle and formation of igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks.
- Extraction methods: surface and subsurface mining.
- Environmental, economic, and social impacts of extraction.
- Strategies for restoring damaged landscapes and sustainable use of rocks/minerals.
- Case study on mine development, impact, and management.
2 Energy and the environment
- Fossil fuel formation and classification of energy resources.
- Electricity generation methods, impacts of energy resources.
- Factors affecting energy demand; management strategies and research for new resources.
- Causes and impacts of oil pollution; management strategies.
- Case study on oil pollution event.
3 Agriculture and the environment
- Soil composition, properties for plant growth, types of agriculture.
- Techniques to increase yields and environmental impacts.
- Causes, impacts, and management of soil erosion.
- Sustainable agriculture practices.
- Case study on agriculture’s environmental consequences.
4 Water and its management
- Global water distribution and the water cycle.
- Sources and uses of fresh water; disparities in water availability.
- Evaluation of multipurpose dam projects.
- Causes and impacts of water pollution; management strategies.
- Managing water-related diseases like malaria and cholera.
- Case studies on dams and water pollution.
5 Oceans and fisheries
- Ocean resources: food, energy, transport, etc.
- Distribution of ocean currents and fish populations; ENSO effects.
- Impact of fisheries exploitation; marine species farming.
- Strategies for sustainable harvesting.
- Case studies on fisheries management and marine farming.
6 Managing natural hazards
- Structure of Earth; causes and impacts of earthquakes, volcanoes, tropical cyclones, flooding, drought.
- Strategies for managing impacts before, during, and after events.
- Opportunities presented by hazards like fertile soils and geothermal energy.
- Case studies on hazard management strategies.
7 The atmosphere and human activities
- Structure, composition of atmosphere; natural greenhouse effect.
- Causes and impacts of atmospheric pollution (smog, acid rain, ozone depletion, enhanced greenhouse effect).
- Management strategies by individuals, governments, international bodies.
- Case study on atmospheric pollution.
8 Human population
- Global population distribution and density.
- Population growth, structure, and influencing factors.
- Strategies for population management.
- Case study on population management.
9 Natural ecosystems and human activities
- Ecosystem definitions, biotic/abiotic components, interactions, energy flow.
- Causes and impacts of habitat loss and deforestation.
- Sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
- Biodiversity measurement methods and conservation strategies.
- Case studies on deforestation, species conservation, and biosphere reserves.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of total.
- Section A: Short and structured questions (20 marks).
- Section B: Source-based short and extended response questions (60 marks).
- Tests AO1 (Knowledge), AO2 (Information handling), AO3 (Investigation skills).
Paper 2: Management in context
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of total.
- Short-answer, data analysis, and extended response questions based on source material.
- Requires use of source material to explore environmental management.
Tests AO1, AO2, AO3.
Weighting of Assessment Objectives:
- AO1 Knowledge and understanding: 40%
- AO2 Information handling and analysis: 35%
- AO3 Investigation skills and making judgements: 25%
Mathematical skills, data presentation, and analysis are integral to both papers.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Environmental Management 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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