Environmental Systems and Societies

What levels are on offer?

Environmental Systems and Societies is a Standard Level course.

Environmental systems and societies is a trans-disciplinary (groups 3 and 4), standard level course. The prime intent of this course is to provide students with a coherent perspective on the interrelationships between ecosystems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. Students' attention can be constantly drawn to their own relationship with their environment and the significance of choices and decisions they make in their own lives. It is intended that students develop a sound understanding of the interrelationships between ecosystems and societies, rather than a purely journalistic appreciation of environmental issues. The teaching approach therefore needs to be conducive to students evaluating the scientific, ethical and socio-political aspects of issues.

What will I need?

For Environmental Systems and Societies you will ideally have a GCSE Science at C or BTEC Diploma/Certificate in Applied Science at Merit in at least one of the units. At least Grade C in Geography would also be considered a good foundation for studying this subject. However, we encourage students with a good general standard at GCSE or BTEC to apply.

What will I study?

The Standard Level Course includes topics on:

Systems and Models
The Ecosystem
Human Population, Carrying Capacity and Resource Use
Conservation and Biodiversity
Pollution Management
The Issue of Global Warming
Environmental Value Systems

Students are expected to do fieldwork. This is facilitated by a fieldtrip for which there will be a charge.

How will I be assessed?

The internal assessment consists of fieldwork/practical work and is worth 20% of the final assessment. The external assessment consists of two written exams at the end of the course.