VCE Environmental Science
Aim
Explore Our Planet with VCE Environmental Science!
Why Choose VCE Environmental Science?
VCE Environmental Science is an exciting, interdisciplinary field that dives into the complex interactions between humans and their environments. In this course, you'll explore how living and non-living elements sustain Earth's systems and examine the impact of human activities on these systems. You'll tackle big questions like:
How do Earth’s systems interact?
How do human actions affect the environment?
How can we manage environmental challenges sustainably?
Understanding Earth's Systems
In VCE Environmental Science, you'll study Earth as a set of four interconnected systems:
Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth.
Biosphere: The regions of Earth where life exists.
Hydrosphere: All water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.
Lithosphere: The solid outer part of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.
You’ll explore how these systems interact to produce natural changes over time and how they respond to disruptions. Key topics include biodiversity, pollution, food and water security, climate change, and energy use.
Hands-On Investigations
Engage in a variety of scientific investigations, both independently and collaboratively, through:
Controlled experiments
Fieldwork
Case studies
Modelling and simulations
Literature reviews
Development of innovative products, processes, or systems
You'll develop essential scientific skills and gain hands-on experience in real-world environmental science applications, all while adhering to safety and ethical guidelines.
Skills You'll Develop
Throughout the course, you’ll hone a range of skills, including:
Scientific Inquiry: Pose questions, formulate hypotheses, and conduct investigations.
Research and Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret data critically.
Problem-Solving: Utilize critical and creative thinking to address environmental challenges.
Communication: Effectively present your findings and justify your conclusions.
You’ll also gain insight into how environmental science evolves with new evidence and innovations, and understand the ethical, sociocultural, economic, political, and legal contexts of scientific endeavors.
Why Environmental Science Matters
Studying VCE Environmental Science will deepen your understanding of the complex decision-making processes involved in managing environmental issues sustainably. You'll explore innovative solutions to reduce pressure on Earth’s resources and ecosystem services, preparing you to tackle contemporary environmental challenges.
Career Opportunities
The skills you develop in VCE Environmental Science are highly valued across many fields. This course can lead to careers in:
Atmospheric sciences
Ecology
Environmental chemistry
Geosciences
Architecture
Environmental law
Engineering
Environmental consultancy
Government policy development
Landscape design
Urban and regional planning
Teaching and research
Environmental scientists often work on cross-disciplinary teams to develop solutions for issues like coastal management, climate risk management, and disaster risk management.
By choosing VCE Environmental Science, you'll be well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the sustainability and well-being of our planet.
Please review the study design for more information (this link will download a word document).
Assessments
Units 1 and 2: Achievement based on a combination of practical reports, topic tests, field reports, assignments, multimedia or web page presentations, responses to media articles, oral presentation and examination.
Unit 3: School assessed coursework (20%)
Unit 4: School assessed coursework (30%)
End-of-year Examination (50%)
UNIT 1: How are Earth’s dynamic systems interconnected to support life? | UNIT 2: What affects Earth’s capacity to sustain life? |
Unveil Earth's Secrets with VCE Environmental Science Unit 1!Explore the Dynamic Earth!In this unit, you’ll delve into the fascinating history of our planet, discovering how Earth has been shaped by natural forces over 4.5 billion years. From volcanic eruptions to drifting continents, you’ll learn about the transformative processes that have sculpted our world. You'll also explore the significant impact of human activities on Earth's systems and how our lifestyles both influence and are influenced by these natural processes.
Fieldwork Adventure Awaits!Step out of the classroom and into the natural world! Fieldwork is a vital component of this unit, providing you with hands-on experience to study Earth’s systems directly. Investigate ecosystems, monitor environmental changes, and generate primary data through engaging fieldwork activities.
What You’ll LearnUnderstanding Earth’s Systems: Dive into the interactions within and between Earth’s four interconnected systems:
Ecosystem Functioning: Learn how ecosystem processes impact environmental conditions such as:
Historical and Future Changes: Understand how past geological and recent changes help predict future environmental impacts. Explore factors influencing responsible management of both natural and human-induced environmental changes.
Fieldwork ExperienceHands-On Investigation: Engage in a student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation. Generate primary data related to ecosystem components, monitoring, and/or change, utilizing key scientific skills and knowledge. Produce a Fieldwork Report: Compile your findings into a comprehensive fieldwork report, showcasing your understanding and analysis of environmental processes and interactions. Why Study Earth’s Systems?Understanding Earth’s dynamic systems is crucial for predicting future changes and managing environmental challenges responsibly. By studying this unit, you’ll gain valuable insights into the complex interactions within our planet and develop the skills to address environmental issues effectively.
Career OpportunitiesThe skills you develop in this unit are invaluable for a range of careers in:
With the growing need for professionals who can navigate the complexities of environmental changes, your knowledge and skills will open doors to numerous exciting career pathways. Embark on this journey to explore Earth's secrets and make a difference in understanding and protecting our planet! | Secure Our Future with VCE Environmental Science Unit 2!Explore Sustainable Food and Water SystemsIn this unit, you’ll delve into the critical need for sustainable food and water systems that minimize environmental impact. You’ll investigate how both natural and human activities generate pollution, affecting Earth's systems and, consequently, our food and water security. Learn how pollution impacts air and water quality, soil health, and plant function, and explore strategies to secure food and water supplies for current and future generations.
Fieldwork Adventure Awaits!Get ready to step out of the classroom and into the field! Fieldwork is a crucial part of this unit, providing you with hands-on experience to study pollution and its impacts on food and water security. Conduct investigations and produce detailed fieldwork reports to understand these complex environmental challenges.
What You’ll LearnUnderstanding Pollution: Examine the characteristics, impacts, and management of various pollutants affecting:
Food and Water Security: Explore the factors that limit and enable the sustainable supply of adequate and affordable food and water. Understand the complex interactions between pollution and food/water security, and develop strategies to mitigate these challenges.
Fieldwork ExperienceHands-On Investigation: Undertake a student-directed scientific investigation to explore how science can address the management of pollutants and/or the maintenance of food and water security. Generate primary data through fieldwork activities and apply key scientific skills and knowledge.
Produce a Fieldwork Report: Compile your findings into a comprehensive fieldwork report, showcasing your understanding and analysis of pollution and its impact on food and water security.
Why Study Pollution and Food/Water Security?Understanding pollution and its effects on food and water security is crucial for ensuring the well-being of current and future generations. By studying this unit, you’ll gain valuable insights into managing environmental challenges and develop the skills to create sustainable solutions.
Career OpportunitiesThe skills you develop in this unit are invaluable for a range of careers in:
With the increasing demand for professionals who can address the complexities of pollution and resource security, your knowledge and skills will open doors to numerous exciting career pathways. Embark on this journey to secure our future by understanding and managing the critical issues of pollution, food, and water security! |
UNIT 3: How can biodiversity and development be sustained? | UNIT 4: How can climate change and the impacts of human energy use be managed? |
Sustain Our Planet with VCE Environmental Science Unit 3!How Can Biodiversity and Development Be Sustained?In this unit, you’ll focus on environmental management through the lens of sustainability. Explore the critical value of the biosphere and examine the concept of biodiversity and its importance to all living things. You’ll analyze threats to biodiversity and evaluate strategies to protect endangered species. Delve into a case study to apply sustainability principles and environmental management strategies, considering impacts on Earth's systems. Fieldwork Adventure Awaits!Fieldwork is an integral part of this unit, providing you with the opportunity to gather primary data related to biodiversity and environmental management. Engage in hands-on investigations and produce detailed fieldwork reports to deepen your understanding of sustainability. Exciting Field Trip to Mt Rothwell!In Area of Study 1, embark on an exciting field trip to Mt Rothwell, where you will capture and release critically endangered species. Collect data on these species, including the eastern barred bandicoot, and contribute valuable information to partner universities, government, and non-government agencies. Your efforts will play a crucial role in the ongoing management and conservation of these species. What You’ll LearnUnderstanding Biodiversity: Explore the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services essential for human health and well-being. Threats to Biodiversity: Analyze the processes that threaten biodiversity, such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. Biodiversity Management Strategies: Evaluate strategies to protect a selected threatened endemic animal or plant species. Consider approaches like habitat restoration, legal protection, and conservation programs. Case Study Analysis: Use a selected environmental science case study to explore sustainability principles and environmental management strategies. Examine impacts on:
Fieldwork ExperienceHands-On Investigation: Conduct a student-designed scientific investigation, generating primary data related to biodiversity, environmental management, climate change, and/or energy use. This investigation spans either Unit 3 or Unit 4, or both, and is assessed in Unit 4, Outcome 3. Produce a Scientific Poster: Present the design, analysis, and findings of your investigation in a scientific poster format. This format will help you effectively communicate your research and insights. Why Study Biodiversity and Development?Understanding how to sustain biodiversity and development is crucial for maintaining the health of our planet. By studying this unit, you’ll gain valuable insights into environmental management and develop the skills to create sustainable solutions for current and future challenges. Career OpportunitiesThe skills you develop in this unit are invaluable for a range of careers in:
With the growing need for professionals who can address the complexities of biodiversity and sustainable development, your knowledge and skills will open doors to numerous exciting career pathways. Embark on this journey to sustain our planet by understanding and managing the critical issues of biodiversity and development! | Manage Climate Change and Energy Use with VCE Environmental Science Unit 4!How Can Climate Change and the Impacts of Human Energy Use Be Managed?In this unit, you’ll explore the intricate factors influencing Earth’s climate variability and its impact on living organisms, human societies, and the environment across different scales. Dive into an analysis of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, comparing their sources, availability, reliability, and efficiencies to assess their suitability and consequences in upholding sustainability principles. Delve into responsible environmental decision-making and discover how science can inform the management of climate change and the impacts of energy production and use. Exciting Excursion Ahead!Embark on an educational excursion to a local energy production facility, where you'll gain firsthand insight into energy generation processes and their environmental impacts. Engage in practical laboratory exercises to analyze environmental indicators, develop data interpretation skills, and test predictions related to climate change and energy use. What You’ll LearnUnderstanding Climate Variability: Explore the various factors contributing to Earth’s climate variability and their implications for ecosystems and human societies. Energy Resources Evaluation: Compare renewable and non-renewable energy resources in terms of their sources, availability, reliability, and efficiencies. Evaluate their sustainability and consequences for environmental management. Environmental Decision-Making: Analyze the complexities of responsible environmental decision-making and the role of science in informing strategies to address climate change and energy-related challenges. Data Interpretation and Uncertainty: Develop skills in interpreting environmental indicators and assessing data uncertainty. Recognize the limitations of observational data and models, and make informed judgments about their accuracy and validity. Practical Laboratory WorkEngage in hands-on laboratory exercises to measure environmental indicators, analyze data, and explore relationships and patterns. Develop critical thinking skills as you test predictions and draw evidence-based conclusions to inform environmental management decisions. Why Study Climate Change and Energy Use Management?Understanding how to manage climate change and energy use is essential for creating a sustainable future. By studying this unit, you’ll develop critical skills in environmental decision-making and data interpretation, preparing you to address pressing challenges facing our planet. Career OpportunitiesThe skills you develop in this unit are invaluable for a range of careers in:
With the increasing urgency to address climate change and energy-related challenges, your knowledge and skills will position you for meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability. Embark on this journey to manage climate change and energy use, and make a positive impact on our planet’s future! |