Why Study?
The environment has never been more relevant and there has never been a better time to learn about the subject. Environmental Science is the scientific approach to how we treat and study the environments we find ourselves living in and affecting with our actions and bridges the gap between Geography and the more traditional sciences, particularly Biology and Chemistry. You will learn aspects of physical and human geography, ecology, biology and more to witness first-hand the impact we are having on our planet on a variety of scales and what we are doing about it.
What can I do with it?
The broad range of jobs available with study of Environmental Science includes, but is not limited to horticulturist, environmental officers, environmental engineers, mineral surveyors, recycling officers, conversation officers as well as less obvious careers such as town planners, toxicologists, biologists, water engineers and Geography teachers.
Subject combinations
Environmental Science ties in well with students who are interested in Geography and Biology although there are links to Chemistry, Government and Politics and many more!
Extras
The course is divided into two key sections encompassing the living world and human environments and will included a number of links between these subject areas. There will also be opportunities for fieldwork to practice some of the practical skills we need to be aware of during the course.
What will I study?
Paper 1, which is split into:
- The Physical Environment – how are human activities connected to physical processes? What are the management strategies and sustainable methods for looking after the environment?
- Energy Resources – the analysis of energy resources in the past and future developments. How can we evaluate future energy problems and look into solving these?
- Pollution – what are the properties of materials and energy and how do they interact to create environmental change? How can we apply this knowledge to past and future problems?
Paper 2, which is split into:
- The Living Environment – The interactions in the environment between each other and also the abiotic environment. How can the understanding of these lead to more sustainable human activities?
- Biological Resources – you will understand the challenge posed by the need for food and forestry without damaging the Earths life support systems. How do we preserve biodiversity despite increasing pressure to use vulnerable locations?
- Sustainability – A holistic understanding of sustainability and the circular economy. How are aspects of nature interconnected on a range of local, national and global scales?
Research skills will also be covered across both areas of the course with theoretical underlying and practical sessions delivered at relevant points.
