Higher Environmental Science

DURATION

1 Year / 240 Hours

COURSEWORK

Assignment 20 % of award

EXAM

Question Papers 80% of award

COST

No Cost

What will you learn?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary subject which draws from the sciences and social sciences. Environmental scientists are involved in tackling issues such as global climate change, pollution, use of land and water resources, and changes in wildlife habitats. These issues require an understanding of scientific principles, economic influences, and political action.

Living environment

investigating local and global ecosystems and biodiversity including practical fieldwork skills

interdependence including factors affecting species population

human influences on biodiversity

conservation

environmental assessment and monitoring

Earth’s resources

geosphere - physical resources from the Earth , heat energy from the Earth

hydrosphere - water circulation through the environment and movement in the oceans

biosphere - soil science and biofuels

atmosphere - movement of gases in the atmosphere ; natural climate changes

Sustainability

sustainable development approaches including environmental, social and economic in developing and more developed countries

global and local challenges in demand for and security of food, water and energy resources

sustainable approaches to the management, production and distribution of food,water and energy

management and impact of waste including life cycle analysis and packaging

anthropogenic climate change

Why do this course


Environmental scientists are involved in tackling issues such as global climate change, pollution, use of land and water resources and changes in wildlife habitats. It involves an understanding of scientific principles, economic influences and political action.

The course uses field work and an experimental approach to develop knowledge and understanding of concepts of environmental science.

It is an interdisciplinary course which can enhance knowledge and skills across other subjects.

This course provides a broad and up to date selection of ideas relevant to the central position of environmental science in society. It includes investigations of topics of local and global significance.

The course develops candidates’ interest and enthusiasm for environmental science in a range of contexts, as well as their investigative and experimental skills. The course encourages candidates to take a problem-solving approach, develop solutions to prevent or reverse environmental deterioration, and develop an understanding of sustainable practices.

What will you experience?

A wide range of teaching strategies are used with classes, such as practical work, outdoor learning, direct teaching, paired and group work. Many key tasks and learning experiences involve work in the school grounds and the local environment. Research and project work helps with understanding the relevance of the course to the wider world.

Work in class is supported through the use of work guides, text books, study notes, ICT and other digital media. Pupils are expected to take on responsibility for their learning.


Key Facts

Everything you need to know before selecting this course

Assessment

Assessment will be a part of the Learning process. There will be end of topic tests, practical assessments and other opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and knowledge and understanding.

Course assessment

  • Assignment 20%

7-8 hours research, 2 hours written report

  • Question Paper 80%

3 hours 15 minutes


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Science. However, as a guide:

  • A pass at National 5 Environmental Science

or

  • a pass at National 5 or Higher in Chemistry, Biology, Geography

It is also recommended that pupils have achieved or are working towards National 5 in Maths and English

Homework

Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs.

Progression and Employment

Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course

Progression

  • Higher Geography

  • Higher Biology

Employment

A study of Environmental Science can lead to a wide variety of course and career possibilities.

These include wildlife conservation, environmental monitoring, agriculture, geology, soil science, wildlife ranger, renewable energy , forestry, environmental management


Learner Experiences