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