N4 Environmental Science

Who is this course for?

The Course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes. The Course may be suitable for those wishing to study Environmental Science for the first time. This course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways. 

Course structure

The Course has four Units: 

Living Environment

The key areas covered are: interdependence; adaptation for survival; the impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity; and the nitrogen cycle and the environmental impact of fertilisers. 

Sustainability

The key areas covered are: the sustainability of key natural resources and possible implications for human activity; the interaction between humans and the environment and the impact of human activity on an area; the role of agriculture in the production of food and raw material and its environmental impacts and sustainability; society’s energy needs and the impact of developments in transport infrastructure in a selected area; and development of sustainable systems. 

Earth's Resources 

The key areas covered are: the responsible use and conservation of non-renewable and renewable resources; the formation and use of fossil fuels; the derivation and uses of materials derived from crude oil; the risks and benefits of different energy sources, including those produced from plants; the carbon cycle and processes involved in maintaining the balance of gases in the air, and the causes and implications of changes in the balance. 

Added Value Unit

In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways. 

Recommended entry 

Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the centre. 

However, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills and knowledge required by one or more of the following or by equivalent qualifications and/or experience: 

♦ National 3 Environmental Science Course or relevant component Units 

♦ National 3 Geography Course or relevant component Units 

There may also be progression from National 3 Biology, National 3 Chemistry, National 3 Physics, or National 3 Science Courses. 

Purpose and aims of the Course 

The purpose of the Course is to develop learners’ interest and enthusiasm for environmental science in a range of contexts, as well as their investigative and experimental skills. 

The Course aims for learners to: 

♦ develop and apply knowledge and understanding of environmental science 

♦ develop an understanding of environmental science’s role in scientific issues and relevant applications of environmental science in
  society and the environment 

♦ develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills 

♦ develop scientific analytical thinking skills in an environmental science context 

♦ develop the use of technology, equipment and materials, safely, in practical scientific activities 

♦ develop problem solving skills in an  environmental science context 

♦ develop practical fieldwork skills in an environmental science context 

♦ use and understand scientific literacy, in everyday contexts, to communicate ideas and issues 

♦ develop the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in environmental science 

Assessment

To achieve the National 4 Environmental Science Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit. National 4 Courses are not graded. 

Progression 

This Course or its Units may provide progression to: 

♦ other qualifications in Environmental Science or related areas 

♦ further study, employment or training 

Careers

Environmental scientists are involved in tackling issues such as global climate change, pollution, use of land and water resources and changes in wildlife habitats.