Geography
AS Specification OCR 2030
Once associated entirely with mapping and the exploration of the Earth, the field today is wide-ranging, and
geographers use a variety of methods and techniques drawn from numerous disciplines. Subfields of
geography include physical, human, and regional geography, which may range in scale from worldwide to a
continent, a country, or a city. Human geography places humans in their physical setting; it studies their
relationship with that environment as well as their conscious activities and continuous progress in adapting
themselves to it (and to other humans) and in transforming their environment to their needs. Physical Geog,
based on the physical sciences, studies the world’s surface, the distribution, delineation, and nature of its
land and water areas.
Unit 1 Physical and Human Geography
Topic list
• Rivers, floods and management
• Cold environments, coastal environments and hot desert environments and their margins
• Global population change
• Food supply issues, energy issues and health issues.
Unit 2 Applied Geography
Topic list
• Basic, investigative, ICT, graphical, cartographical and statistical skills
• Research skills and the assessment of AS fieldwork
A2 Specification OCR
At A2, candidates will continue to study a combination of human and physical geography. Candidates are
required to choose whether to undertake preparatory investigative work in the field in order to be able to
produce a fieldwork investigation, or undertake an issue evaluation exercise to extend the content within
the specialised context of issue evaluation.
Unit 3 Contemporary Geographical Issues
Topic list
• Plate tectonics and associated hazards
• Weather and climate and associated hazards
• Challenges facing ecosystems
• World cities – evolution or revolution?
• Development and globalisation
• Contemporary conflicts and challenges.
Unit 4A Geography Fieldwork Investigation
Structured short and extended questions based on candidates’ own fieldwork investigation.
OR
Unit 4B Geographical Issue Evaluation