Course Outline
Environmental Systems and Society (ESS) is a transdisciplinary subject designed to combine the techniques and knowledge associated with Group 4 (Experimental Sciences) with those associated with Group 3 (Individuals and Societies). By choosing to study a transdisciplinary course such as this as part of their Diploma students are able to satisfy the requirements for both Groups 3 and 4.
The course provides a coherent perspective of inter-relationships between environmental systems and societies, one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response.
Aims
1. To promote an understanding of environmental processes at a variety of scales.
2. To appreciate the value of local as well as international collaboration in resolving environmental problems.
3. To appreciate that human society is both directly and indirectly linked to the environment at a number of levels and variety of scales.
Course Structure
Environmental Systems and Societies is only offered at Standard Level internationally and is assessed as follows:
Assessment Component
Weighting
External assessment ( 2 written papers 3 hours in total) 80% in total
Paper 1: 1 hour (worth 45 marks) 30%
Paper 2: 2 hours (worth 65 marks) 50%
Internal assessment (worth 42 marks) 20% in total
Topics:
1. Introduction: systems and models
2. The eco-system
3. Human population, carrying capacity and resources
4. Conservation and bio-diversity
5. Pollution management
6. Global warming
7. Environmental value systems
Course Delivery
The course consists of theoretical concepts and practical application which will be both laboratory and field based.
The course provides a coherent perspective of inter-relationships between environmental systems and societies, one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response.
Aims
1. To promote an understanding of environmental processes at a variety of scales.
2. To appreciate the value of local as well as international collaboration in resolving environmental problems.
3. To appreciate that human society is both directly and indirectly linked to the environment at a number of levels and variety of scales.
Course Structure
Environmental Systems and Societies is only offered at Standard Level internationally and is assessed as follows:
Assessment Component
Weighting
External assessment ( 2 written papers 3 hours in total) 80% in total
Paper 1: 1 hour (worth 45 marks) 30%
Paper 2: 2 hours (worth 65 marks) 50%
Internal assessment (worth 42 marks) 20% in total
Topics:
1. Introduction: systems and models
2. The eco-system
3. Human population, carrying capacity and resources
4. Conservation and bio-diversity
5. Pollution management
6. Global warming
7. Environmental value systems
Course Delivery
The course consists of theoretical concepts and practical application which will be both laboratory and field based.
| ESS and the Learner Profile |
