Marine Science A-Level

 

July 2024 Intakes are now OPEN!

Contact us for more info!

 

TRACC's Marine Science A level runs over four months. The course will be completed at our conservation centre on Pom Pom Island. Here you can spend your days working with like-minded people from around the world, learning about the ocean and tropical ecosystems while participating in scuba diving and conservation.

Our Cambridge Marine Science intensive A-Level course is recognised world wide, and allows you to complete an entire A-level in approximately 16 weeks. During the four months your time studying is all undertaken consecutively so that you eat, breathe and sleep marine science, until you walk away from the examinations confident that you’ve understood the exams. Nothing in your head is more than four months old. Your real life can’t get in the way. There are no other subjects competing for your brain power. It’s just you, the marine environment on our doorstep, and TRACC’s team of professional scientists behind you.

For more information on the Cambridge International A Level Marine Science (9693) please click here.

This course has been running since 2013, since then we have taught 76 students and our results speak for themselves. 90% A*-B grade results with 32% of our students getting an A* and a further 39% getting an A. We are proud to report that our candidates scored Best in the World scores in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

 

Course Overview

The Marine science A-level is split into two parts, the first part; the AS-level and the second; the A2 level. The AS level investigates the scientific study of the sea and its related ecosystems whilst the A2-Level looks at human activities and how we impact and rely upon the ocean.

The topics are as follows;

 
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AS level modules

  1. Water

  2. Earth Processes

  3. Interactions in Marine Ecosystems

  4. Classification and Biodiversity

  5. Examples of Marine Ecosystems

    A LEVEL MODULES

  6. Physiology of Marine Organisms

  7. Energy

  8. Fisheries for the Future

  9. Human Impacts on Marine Ecosystems

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

MONDAY- Dry day. This is a day free of diving to relax and have fun.

TUESDAY- Academic Day. Most of the day will be spent in lectures, conducting practical experiments, completing in class activities and field trips.

TUESDAY- TRACC Day. During these days our students are free to join is with TRACC’s regular conservation activities and dives if they wish.

WEDNESDAY- Academic Day.

THURSDAY- TRACC Day.

FRIDAY- Academic Day.

SUNDAY- Funday. Sunday Funday is a day of fun diving for everyone at camp. We do leisure dives at different dive sites around Pom Pom Island and visit neighbouring islands when possible. Sunday night is usually the night everyone blows off steam and has a sleep in the following day.

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How you will be taught ON ACADEMIC DAYS.

Classes will be held in the morning. Between 9am – 12pm students will be actively taught their modules by teaching professionals. Classes and teaching techniques vary depending on module. Most classes are taught using computer presentations to explain the theory, followed by hands on experience to reinforce lessons learnt.

Between 12pm and 4pm students will have lunch followed by more hands on experience. Students will participate in either a science practical dive, learn to dive with a PADI instructor or go on a field trip adventure with one of the A-level instructors.

Between 4 and 6 pm students will review the lessons of the day. Depending on the module this may require them to give a presentation, write an essay, take a quiz, have a discussion or simply re-read their notes. At the end of a long day we recommend watching a beautiful sunset on our jetty.

 
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PRACTICALS

During your A level you will participate in practical assignments and experiments.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of ideas to new contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path.

FISH DISECTION

FISH DISECTION

 

FIELD TRIPS

During the A level you will have the opportunity to go on various field trips to learn about different intertidal ecosystems. See human impacts first hand in various fish markets across Borneo and visit Pulau Larapan, the Island of fossilised coals.

FISH MARKET EXCURSION

FISH MARKET EXCURSION

 

BORNEO ADVENTURE WEEK

The 7 day road trip is a unique opportunity to traverse Borneo, well off the beaten track, from Semporna to Brunei and back again. Over these 7 days we visit the major fishing ports of North Borneo and compare the differences in ecosystems, fishing and aquaculture techniques, catch and conservation. We also use this as an opportunity to study conservation and human impacts on the marine environment.

 
 

COST

The complete cost for the A-Level is €5,315 for our all-inclusive package. Dive courses excluded. 
(A comparable program at a British college is approximately €10,000.)

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 12 weeks glamping accommodation

  • 12 weeks full board (self made breakfast, buffet style lunch and dinner)

  • 12 weeks diving including equipment scuba rental (dive computer excluded)

  • Practical classes equipment

  • Comprehensive teaching

  • Airport pick up and drop off + boat transfers

  • 7 day field trip across Borneo

  • 2 weeks accommodation in Kota Kinabalu for revision and exams

  • Food, accommodation and transportation for field trip, revision and exam weeks

  • Cambridge Marine Science Course text book

  • Exam fees

  • 2 TRACC Team shirts

 

what's not included

  • Flights from home country to Tawau, Sabah (TWU).

  • Visa (Free Visa on arrival for UK, Australian, Canadian and US Citizens). Depending on your destination country and your country of origin, you might require a visa. Please see the appropriate country consular website for details.

  • Dive computer, MANDATORY which can be rented for MYR 10 per day, we can also help you buy your own for approximately MYR 1,000.

  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drink

  • Dive courses as necessary

Insurance. You’ll need to buy appropriate travel insurance covering your participation in the Marine Science A-level. This will require additional coverage for scuba diving up to 30 meters, including hyperbaric therapy treatment.

 

If you would like any more information please do not hesitate to contact us.