Environmental Science and Earth Systems aims to equip Learners with a developed understanding of the theories and principles underpinning environmental science and Earth system processes. Learners can analyse the interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere and apply scientific principles to understand environmental change and management. Upon successful completion, Learners have the ability to apply environmental science and Earth systems concepts to assessment, analysis and professional practice within environmental and related fields. This unit forms part of the ICM Level 4 Environmental Science Professional Qualification.
Environmental Science
- Core principles and scope
- Historical development and key figures
- The scientific method in environmental research
- Uncertainty, risk and precautionary principles
- Ethical dimensions of environmental science
Earth as a System
- Systems thinking in environmental science
- Open and closed systems
- Energy and matter flows
- Feedback loops: positive and negative
- Steady state and dynamic equilibrium
Lithosphere: Earth's Solid Surface
- Plate tectonics and geohazards
- Rock cycle and mineral resources
- Weathering, erosion and landscape formation
- Soils: formation, properties and classification
- Human impacts on the lithosphere
Hydrosphere: Earth's Water
- Global water distribution and scarcity
- Ocean circulation and climate
- Freshwater systems: rivers, lakes, groundwater
- Cryosphere: glaciers, ice caps and permafrost
- Human impacts on the hydrosphere
Atmosphere: Earth's Gaseous Envelope
- Atmospheric composition and structure
- Energy balance and the greenhouse effect
- Atmospheric circulation and weather systems
- Climate zones and variability
- Human impacts on the atmosphere
Biosphere: Earth's Living Systems
- Biogeochemical cycles in depth
- Primary production and carbon sequestration
- Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
- Biosphere-atmosphere interactions
- Human impacts on the biosphere
Earth System Interactions and Feedback
- Coupled human-environment systems
- Climate-carbon cycle feedback
- Ice-albedo feedback
- Water-vegetation feedback
- Tipping points and abrupt change
Energy and Matter in Environmental Systems
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Energy efficiency and entropy
- Biogeochemical cycles integration
- Material flow analysis
- Environmental accounting
Global Environmental Change
- Climate change: drivers, evidence, projections
- Land use change and land cover change
- Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation
- Biogeochemical cycle disruption
- Multi-stressor interactions
Planetary Boundaries and Earth System Governance
- Planetary boundaries framework
- Safe operating space for humanity
- Earth system governance
- Sustainable development goals and Earth system science
- International environmental agreements
Example Candidate Response Booklet
Example Candidate Response (ECR) Booklets are a source of crucial information for Centres and Candidates as they use real candidate responses. We ask Senior Examiners to comment on five or more responses in terms of why the mark was awarded with commentary about how to improve the answer (if necessary).
