VCE Environmental Science

What is VCE Environmental Science?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science that explores the interactions and interconnectedness between humans and their environments and analyses the functions of both living and non-living elements that sustain Earth systems. Students investigate the extent to which humans modify their environment, the consequences of these changes and management strategies to reduce the impacts. Students examine case studies and engage in a range of inquiry tasks. Students develop capacities that enable them to critically assess the strengths and limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical, social and political contexts of scientific endeavours.

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Unit 1

How are earth’s dynamic systems interconnected to support life?

In this unit students examine the processes and interactions occurring within and between Earth’s four interrelated systems – the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. They focus on how ecosystem functioning can influence many local, regional and global environmental conditions such as plant productivity, soil fertility, water quality and air quality. Students explore how changes that have taken place throughout geological and recent history are fundamental to predicting the likely impact of future changes. They consider a variety of influencing factors in achieving a solutions-focused approach to responsible management of challenges related to natural and human-induced environmental change.

Areas of Study:

1. How are Earth's systems organised and connected?

2. How do Earth's systems change over time?

3. How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how Earth's systems support life?

Unit 2

What affects Earth's capacity to sustain life?

In this unit students consider pollution as well as food and water security as complex and systemic environmental challenges facing current and future generations. They examine the characteristics, impacts, assessment and management of a range of pollutants that are emitted or discharged into Earth’s air, soil, water and biological systems, and explore factors that limit and enable the sustainable supply of adequate and affordable food and water.

Areas of Study:

1. How can we manage pollution to sustain Earth's systems?

2. How can we manage food and water security to sustain Earth's systems?

3. How do scientific endeavours contribute to minimising human impacts on Earth?

Unit 3

How can biodiversity and development be sustained?

In this unit students focus on environmental management through the application of sustainability principles. They explore the value of the biosphere to all living things by examining the concept of biodiversity and the ecosystem services important for human health and well-being. They analyse the processes that threaten biodiversity and evaluate biodiversity management strategies for a selected threatened endemic animal or plant species. Students use a selected environmental science case study with reference to sustainability principles and environmental management strategies to explore management from an Earth systems perspective, including impacts on the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.

Areas of Study:

1. When is maintaining biodiversity worth a sustained effort?

2. When is development sustainable?

Unit 4

How can climate change and the impacts of human energy use be managed?

In this unit students explore different factors that contribute to the variability of Earth’s climate and that can affect living things, human society and the environment at local, regional and global scales. Students compare sources, availability, reliability and efficiencies of renewable and non-renewable energy resources in order to evaluate the suitability and consequences of their use in terms of upholding sustainability principles. They analyse various factors that are involved in responsible environmental decision-making and consider how science can be used to inform the management of climate change and the impacts of energy production and use.

Areas of Study:

1. How can we respond to climate change?

2. What might be a more sustainable mix of energy sources?

3. How is scientific inquiry used to investigate contemporary environmental challenges?

This subject may lead to

Environmental scientists work in cross-disciplinary areas such as bushfire research, environmental management and conservation, geology, oceanography, architecture, engineering, urban planning, environmental consultancy and advocacy, agriculture, construction, mining and property management and water quality.

Who do I contact to find out more?

Mrs Angela McIntosh: amcintosh@cmc.vic.edu.au

Mrs Alana Burke: aburke@cmc.vic.edu.au

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