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.
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:
Why is maintaining biodiversity worth a sustained effort?
When is development sustainable?
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.
Measurement of environmental indicators often involves uncertainty. Students develop skills in data interpretation, extrapolation and interpolation and test predictions. They recognise the limitations of contradictory, provisional and incomplete data derived from observations and models. They explore relationships and patterns in data, and make judgments about accuracy and validity of evidence.
Areas of Study:
How can we respond to climate change?
What might be a more sustainable mix of energy sources?
Students will undertake the same range of formal assessment tasks as in Units 1 and 2. In addition to this, they will complete 5 SACs throughout the year. Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Environmental Science are as follows:
Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework (2 SACs): 20 per cent
Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework (3 SACs): 30 per cent
End of Year Examination: 50 per cent
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Students will need a scientific calculator.
Students will order their textbook from the booklist