Environmental scientists are involved in tackling issues such as global climate change, pollution, use of land and water resources and changes in wildlife habitats. It involves an understanding of scientific principles, economic influences and political action.
This course provides a broad and up to date selection of ideas relevant to the central position of environmental science in society. You will investigate key areas of the living environment such as biodiversity and interdependence.
The skills that you learn while studying Environmental Science, such as investigating, critical thinking, project management and survey techniques, are valuable in a wide variety of industry sectors including renewable energy, forestry and environmental conservation and agriculture.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Information, Culture and Heritage
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:
Environmental Science is a practical subject that helps us to develop ways of preventing or reversing damage to the natural environment. You will learn about changes in wildlife habitats, and sustainable ways of managing our use of land and water resources. This will help you to make your own decisions on contemporary issues where scientific knowledge is constantly developing.
The course has three compulsory units, plus an added value unit that assesses your practical skills.
Environmental Science: Living Environment (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Environmental Science: Earth’s Resources (or Environmental Science: Earth’s Resources with a Scottish Context) (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Environmental Science: Sustainability (or Environmental Science: Sustainability with a Scottish Context) (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Added Value Unit: Environmental Science Assignment (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
You must pass all the units including the assignment to gain the course qualification.
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Environmental Science (National 4)
