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 an interdisciplinary subject, which draws from science and social science subjects. You will learn about how we use the Earth’s resources, different ways of producing energy, and the effects of global climate change. This will help you to make your own decisions on contemporary issues where scientific knowledge is constantly developing.
The course comprises three areas of study.
Living environment
You will study:
Earth’s resources
You will study:
Sustainability
You will study:
Course Assessment
The course assessment has two components totalling 120 marks:
The question paper will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
For the assignment component, you will research a topic, carry out experimental and fieldwork and report on findings. This is marked externally by SQA.
The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.
The course assessment is graded A-D.
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 5)
