Principles of Environmental Science aims to equip Learners with the ability to understand and apply the fundamental concepts of environmental science. Learners can recognise the basic principles of ecosystems, environmental processes and the relationships between human activities and the natural environment. Upon successful completion, Learners have an informed awareness of environmental principles and their application to personal choices and to careers within environmental and related professions. This unit forms part of the ICM Level 3 Environmental Science Professional Qualification.
Environmental Science
- Definition, scope and importance of environmental science
- Historical development of environmental thought
- Interdisciplinary nature of environmental science
- The scientific method and environmental inquiry
- Environmental values, ethics and worldviews
Earth's Spheres and Systems
- The lithosphere: structure, rocks and minerals
- The hydrosphere: oceans, lakes, rivers and groundwater
- The atmosphere: composition, structure and weather
- The biosphere: life and ecological systems
- Interactions between Earth's spheres
Ecosystems and Ecological Principles
- Definition and types of ecosystems
- Ecosystem structure: abiotic and biotic components
- Energy flow: photosynthesis, respiration and trophic levels
- Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids
- Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and water cycles
- Ecosystem services and their importance to human wellbeing
Population Ecology
- Population characteristics: size, density, distribution
- Population growth models: exponential and logistic growth
- Limiting factors and carrying capacity
- Human population growth: historical trends and current patterns
- Demographic transition model
- Impacts of human population on the environment
Biodiversity
- Definition and levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, ecosystem
- Patterns of biodiversity globally
- Importance of biodiversity: ecological, economic, cultural
- Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, climate change
- Introduction to conservation approaches
Environmental Issues
- Climate change: causes, evidence and consequences
- Deforestation and land use change
- Water scarcity and water pollution
- Air pollution and its effects
- Waste generation and management
- Loss of biodiversity and extinction
Human Impact and Sustainability
- Ecological footprint concept and measurement
- Carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
- Renewable and non-renewable resources
- Introduction to sustainable development
- Individual and collective actions for environmental protection
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).
