Course information
Earth and Environmental Science is a multifaceted field of inquiry that focuses on interactions between the solid Earth, its water, its air and its living organisms, and on dynamic, interdependent relationships that have developed between these four components. Earth and environmental scientists consider how these interrelationships produce environmental change at a variety of timescales.
Post-school pathways
Do you enjoy or are you good at Environmental Science? (pdf, 110kb)
Workload expectation
Four hours outside of class per week to complete homework and assignments.
Course pattern
Available as a Minor or Major course.
Suggested Minor course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Unit 1: Introduction to Earth Systems |
2 | Unit 2: Earth Processes |
Suggested Major course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Unit 1: Introduction to Earth Systems |
2 | Unit 2: Earth Processes |
3 | Unit 3: Living on Earth |
4 | Unit 4: The Changing Earth |
Unit descriptions
Unit 1: Introduction to Earth Systems
In this unit, students examine the evidence underpinning theories of the development of the Earth systems, their interactions and their components.
Unit 2: Earth Processes
In this unit, students investigate how Earth processes involve interactions of Earth systems and are interrelated through transfers and transformations of energy.
Unit 3: Living on Earth
In this unit, students examine renewable and non-renewable resources, the implications of extracting, using and consuming these resources, and associated management approaches.
Unit 4: The Changing Earth
In this unit, students consider how Earth processes and human activity can contribute to Earth hazards, and the ways in which these hazards can be predicted, managed and mitigated to reduce their impact on Earth environments.
For more detail on the course and individual units please refer to the ACT BSSS Website.