National 5 Environmental Science

About this course

The course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes. It may be suitable for those wishing to study environmental science for the first time. This course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways. 

 

Course content

Candidates gain an understanding of environmental science through a variety of approaches, including practical activities. They research topics, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which develops skills of scientific literacy.  

The course content includes the following areas of environmental science: 

Living environment The key areas covered are: investigating ecosystems and biodiversity; interdependence; human influences on biodiversity.  

Earth’s resources The key areas covered are: an overview of Earth systems and their interactions; the geosphere; the hydrosphere; the biosphere; the atmosphere.  

Sustainability The key areas covered are: an introduction to sustainability; food; water; energy; waste management. 

 

• Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course:  
• Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of environmental science by making statements, describing information, providing explanations and integrating knowledge 
•  Applying knowledge of environmental science to new situations, interpreting information and solving problems 
•  Planning, designing, and safely carrying out experimental/fieldwork investigations to test given hypotheses or to illustrate particular effects 
•  Selecting information from a variety of sources  
• Presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms  
• Processing information (using calculations and units, where appropriate)  
• Making predictions and generalisations based on evidence/information  
• Drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification  
• Suggesting improvements to practical experimental/fieldwork investigations  
• Communicating findings/information 

Entry requirements

The course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes. It may be suitable for those wishing to study environmental science for the first time. This course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways. 

Course progression

• Higher Environmental Science 
• NQ Applied Science at SCQF level 5
• NQ Applied Science at SCQF level 6