VCE Units 1 & 2 - Environmental Science
VCE Units 1 & 2 - Environmental Science
Overview
Earth is understood as a set of four interrelated systems: the atmosphere, the biosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere. This study explores how the relationships between these systems produce natural environmental change over a variety of time scales and how these systems respond to change and disruption.
Unit 1: How are Earth's dynamic systems interconnected to support life?
In this unit students examine the processes and interactions occurring within and between Earth’s four interrelated systems – the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. They focus on how ecosystem functioning can influence many local, regional, and global environmental conditions. Students explore how changes that have taken place throughout geological and recent history are fundamental to predicting the likely impact of future changes. They consider a variety of influencing factors in achieving a solutions-focused approach to responsible management of challenges related to natural and human-induced environmental change.
Areas of Study
- How are Earth systems organised and connected?
- How do Earth’s systems change over time?
- How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how Earth’s systems support life?
Unit 2: What affects Earth's capacity to sustain life?
In this unit students consider pollution as well as food and water security as complex and systemic environmental challenges facing current and future generations. They examine the characteristics, impacts, assessment, and management of a range of pollutants that are emitted or discharged into Earth’s air, soil, water and biological systems, and explore factors that limit and enable the sustainable supply of adequate and affordable food and water.
Areas of Study
- How can we manage pollution to sustain Earth’s systems?
- How can we manage food and water security to sustain Earth’s systems?
- How do scientific endeavours contribute to minimising human impacts on Earth’s systems?
Forms of Assessment
- Experimental Investigations
- Tests
- Reports
- Case Studies
- End of Unit Exams
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Students should have completed 2 units of Year 10 Science. Yr. 10 Environmental Science is preferred.