On this course on Pom Pom island, Borneo, you will be studying for a Cambridge University affiliated AS and A Level in Marine Science. This will provide you with a coherent and stimulating introduction to the science of the marine environment. The content part of the AS section of this course concentrates on the scientific study of the sea and its ecosystems, while the A Level section of the course concentrates on human activities that depend on the sea and have an impact on it.

This is exactly the same course as all the other A Levels done by UK and International schools and colleges around the world. This is an internationally recognised course with an international examinations board and can be used as part of the entry requirement into any University. Your exam will be taken at the same time as all other Cambridge exams during the last week of the course.

A and AS Level Marine Science can form part of an ideal subject combination for students who want to study Marine Biology or Environmental Science at university or to follow a career in shipping, fisheries, tourism or aquaculture.

Key Course Features

• Cost £3985 for full course
• Course starts 24th February – 19th May 2012 or 1st August to 24th October 2012
• Exam will occur at the British Council in Kota Kinabalu (KK) in the last week of your course
• Ability to complete exam at any exam centre around the world if you are unable to attend scheduled date in Kota Kinabalu
• Full support provided to help you take your final exam
• PADI Open Water Dive Qualification Included within Course Fee
• Full support from professional marine scientists

What is included

• Accommodation: Shared tent on almost deserted beach
• Food: 3 meals per day – breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Transport to Pom Pom Island from Kota Kinabalu
• Training: Orientation and A Level Induction Provided
• Entrance Exam Fee Included
• Support: 24 hour support
• Regular phone or internet contact with friends or family
• Free wi-fi
• Excursion Planning: Staff help organise extra dive courses and additional land or water excursions
• You will have full use of all dive equipment while you are on Pom Pom (except: mask, snorkel, fins, skins/rash vest/stinger suit)

What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

You will be based on the beautiful island of Pom Pom, located in the Celebes Sea in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The journey to Pom Pom will be a one hour speed boat ride from Semporna on the mainland, and will see you careening through perfect turquoise waters. The island itself has romantic white sand beaches, calm waters and shallow reefs. With easy access to over 10 other islands, Pom Pom is a gateway to the underwater world of the coral triangle.

The emphasis throughout this course is on the understanding of the concepts and the application of ideas to new contexts, as well as in the acquisition of knowledge. This course will help to foster creative thinking and problem solving, which are transferrable to any future career path.

The practical activities will underpin your teaching of the whole course and you may be asked about practical activities in examination questions, but there is no practical paper to speak of, and no coursework.

This syllabus for our Marine Science A Level is designed:

• To give a thorough introduction to the study of Marine Science
• To give flexibility to both teachers and candidates
• To place greater emphasis on the understanding and application of concepts and principles than on the recall of factual material.

The content of the AS level course concentrates on the scientific study of the sea and its ecosystems.
The A2 part of the course concentrates on human activities that depend on the sea and have an impact on it.

This is an intensive practical course studying open oceans, coastal processes, sandy & muddy shores, coral reefs, Mangroves & seagrass beds. We use microscopes, scuba diving, plankton nets, fishing techniques, sand sieves and lots more.

Your studying will be split into two categories in order for you to gain both your AS and A Level qualifications.

For your AS Level you will be studying:

• Scientific method
• Marine ecosystems and biodiversity
• Energetics of marine ecosystems
• Nutrient cycles in marine ecosystems
• Coral reefs and lagoons
• The ocean floor and the coast
• Physical and chemical oceanography

To gain your full A Level you will go on to study:

• Physiology of marine primary producers
• Aspects of marine animal physiology
• Marine animal reproductive behaviour
• Fisheries management
• Aquaculture
• Human impact on marine ecosystems
• Marine conservation and ecotourism
• Marine biotechnology

Included within your course fee will be your Open Water PADI Dive Certification which you will need to complete some of the case work required of you. There is NO pre-requisite for diving qualifications to complete the A-Level, we just ask that you are a competent swimmer.

Your exam will take place in the last week of your course at the British Council in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo. We will arrange your transfer to the British Council and support you in the run up to your examination.