GCSE Geology (WJEC Eduqas)

Six modules · 13 tutorials · the complete WJEC Eduqas specification

The complete WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geology specification, taught by the three founders of the science. James Hutton Simulacrum on minerals, igneous rocks, the rock cycle and plate tectonics. William Smith Simulacrum on sedimentary rocks, fossils, hazards and resources. Charles Lyell Simulacrum on metamorphic rocks, deformation, geological time, climate and the development of life.

Two components: Geological Principles (on-screen, 1hr 15min, 50%) and Investigative Geology (written, 1hr 30min, 50%, based on a geological map). A data sheet is used in both. Two days of fieldwork required.

Specification: WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geology C480P2 (v2, Jan 2019)Provider: Universitas Scholarium

Module 1Minerals and Igneous Rocks2 tutorials · KI 1.1–1.2

Led by James Hutton Simulacrum

Mineral formation and identification by physical properties · igneous rock classification (peridotite, basalt, andesite, granite) · crystal size and cooling rate · magma viscosity and volcanic activity · igneous bodies (lava flows, sills, dykes, plutons).

Open module →

Module 2Sedimentary Rocks and Fossils2 tutorials · KI 1.3

Led by William Smith Simulacrum

Weathering, erosion, transport and deposition · grain size, sorting and environments of deposition · sedimentary rock identification · sedimentary structures (bedding, cross-bedding, ripple marks) · fossils as environmental indicators.

Open module →

Module 3Metamorphic Rocks and Deformation2 tutorials · KI 1.4–1.5

Led by Charles Lyell Simulacrum

Metamorphism (contact and regional) · metamorphic rocks (slate, schist, marble, metaquartzite) · folding and faulting · strike and dip · unconformities · interpreting geological structures in 3D.

Open module →

Module 4The Rock Cycle and Plate Tectonics2 tutorials · KI 2.1–2.2

Led by James Hutton Simulacrum

The rock cycle as energy transfer · catastrophism vs gradualism · Earth structure (crust, mantle, core; lithosphere, asthenosphere) · evidence for plate tectonics · divergent, conservative and convergent boundaries · from Wegener to modern plate theory.

Open module →

Module 5Geological Time, Climate and Life3 tutorials · KI 2.3–2.5

Led by Charles Lyell Simulacrum

Stratigraphic principles and relative dating · zone fossils · radioactive dating · deep time (Ussher to Holmes) · climate change through geological time · CO₂ feedbacks and carbon sequestration · the origin and development of life · extinction events · the incomplete fossil record.

Open module →

Module 6Planetary Geology, Hazards and Resources2 tutorials · KI 3 + 4

Led by William Smith Simulacrum

Comparing Earth with Moon and Mars · earthquake and volcanic hazards · prediction and risk reduction · mineral resources and prospecting · oil and gas traps · aquifers · waste disposal · engineering geology.

Open module →