Course Outline

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course, encompassing both the sciences and individuals and societies. It combines a mixture of methodologies, techniques and knowledge associated with both the sciences and individuals and societies.

The course engages students in the challenges of 21st century environmental issues. Consequently, it requires its students to develop a diverse set of skills, knowledge and understanding from different disciplines. Students develop a scientific approach through explorations of environmental systems. They also acquire understandings and methods from individuals and societies subjects whilst studying sustainability issues within social, cultural, economic, political, and ethical contexts. The interdisciplinary nature of the course means students produce a synthesis of understanding from the various topics studied. It also emphasises the ability to perform research and investigations and to participate in philosophical, ethical, and pragmatic discussions of the issues involved from the local through to the global level.

Course Content

Environmental Science aims to empower and equip students to:

• develop understanding of their own environmental impact, in the broader context of the impact of humanity 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 Assessment