Earth and Environmental Science

2 Units for each of Preliminary and HSC Board Developed Course                          

Course description

The study of Earth and Environmental Science in Stage 6 enables students to develop an appreciation and understanding of geological and environmental concepts that help explain the changing face of the Earth over time.  The course explores the Earth’s renewable and nonrenewable resources and also environmental issues. An understanding of the Earth’s resources and the ability to live sustainably on the planet is a central purpose of the study of Earth and Environmental Science. Students will undertake practical and secondary-sourced investigations to acquire a deeper understanding of the Earth’s features and naturally occurring phenomena and cycles. Fieldwork is an integral part of these investigation processes.

Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12.

What students learn

Year 11 course

The Year 11 course consists of four modules:

• Module 1 Earth’s Resources

• Module 2 Plate Tectonics 

• Module 3 Energy Transformations

• Module 4 Human Impacts

Year 12 course

The Year 12 course consists of four modules:

• Module 5 Earth’s Processes

• Module 6 Hazards

• Module 7 Climate Science

• Module 8 Resource Management

Course requirements

Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for depth studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.

A depth study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

Industries related to Earth and Environmental Science

The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.

Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:

• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

• Education and Training

• Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services

• Health Care and Social Assistance

• Mining

Assessment: Preliminary and HSC course

Board Developed Course - 2 Units for each of Year 11 and Year 12