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Environmental science is an interdisciplinary, investigative 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.
In VCE Environmental Science, Earth is understood as a set of four interrelated systems: the atmosphere, the biosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere. This study explores how the relationships between these systems produce natural environmental change over a variety of time scales and how these systems respond to change and disruption. Students investigate the extent to which humans modify their environments and the consequences of these changes in local and global contexts with a focus on biodiversity, pollution, food and water security, climate change and energy use. Students examine the challenges and opportunities presented by selected environmental issues and case studies, and consider how different value systems, priorities, knowledge and regulatory frameworks affect environmental decision-making and planning for a sustainable future.
An important feature of undertaking a VCE science study is the opportunity for students to engage in a range of scientific investigation methodologies, to develop key science skills, and to interrogate the links between theory, knowledge and practice. Students work collaboratively as well as independently on a range of tasks involving controlled experiments, fieldwork, case studies, correlational studies, classification and identification, modelling, simulations, literature reviews, and the development of a product, process or system. Knowledge and application of the safety and ethical guidelines associated with undertaking investigations is integral to the study of VCE Environmental Science.
As well as increasing their understanding of scientific processes, students develop insights into how knowledge in environmental science has changed, and continues to change, in response to new evidence, discoveries and thinking. They develop capacities that enable them to critically assess the strengths and the limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical contexts of scientific endeavours, including sociocultural, economic, political and legal factors. Students consider the role of innovation and science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
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