Qualification Aims and Objectives

ESS is an interdisciplinary course that combines the methodologies, techniques, and knowledge of both the sciences and individuals and societies. It engages students in the challenges of 21st-century environmental issues. Students develop a scientific approach through explorations of environmental systems, while also acquiring understandings from social science subjects to study sustainability issues within social, cultural, economic, political, and ethical contexts.

Objectives

• Develop understanding of their own environmental impact within the broader context of humanity’s impact on the Earth and its biosphere.
• Develop knowledge of diverse perspectives to address issues of sustainability.
• Engage and evaluate the tensions around environmental issues using critical thinking.
• Develop a systems approach that provides a holistic lens for the exploration of environmental issues.
• Be inspired to engage in environmental issues across local and global contexts.

Course Outline

The ESS course is built around a conceptual approach. All students are encouraged to integrate the following three core concepts throughout the course:

• Perspectives
• Systems
• Sustainability

Syllabus Themes

• Ecology: Ecosystems, energy flows, and interactions.
• Biodiversity and conservation: Species diversity, threats, and conservation.
• Water: Water systems, resource management, and pollution.
• Land: Soil, food production, and land use.
• Atmosphere and climate change: Atmospheric processes and global climate issues.
• Natural resources: Resource use, cycles, and environmental impacts.
• Human populations and urban systems: Demographics, resource demands, and urban sustainability.

Assessment (SL)

The SL assessment is weighted 75% External and 25% Internal.

External (75%)

Internal (25%): Individual Investigation: An open-ended task where the student formulates a research question, gathers and analyses data, and submits a written report (maximum 3,000 words).

Future courses and possible careers:

Environmental Science and Management • Environmental Law and Policy • Ecology and Conservation • Sustainability Consulting • Urban Planning • International Development • Renewable Energy • Geography