§-Environmental Science syllabus
VIC · VCAA← Environmental Science
Environmental Science syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the VIC Environmental Science syllabus, with a focused answer for each. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions and links to related points.
Unit 3: How can biodiversity and development be sustained?
Module overview →How are living things classified and named, and why does taxonomy matter for biodiversity?
the classification, taxonomy and naming of organisms, including the use of binomial nomenclature and taxonomic hierarchy, and how classification supports the description and conservation of biodiversity
What are the four categories of ecosystem services and how do they sustain human life?
the four categories of ecosystem services (supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural) and how each links biodiversity to human wellbeing and development
What are endemic species and biodiversity hotspots, and why are they conservation priorities?
the concepts of endemism and biodiversity hotspots, why endemic species and hotspots are especially vulnerable, and their significance for setting conservation priorities
How is biodiversity described and why does it matter to human wellbeing?
the levels of biodiversity (genetic, species and ecosystem) and the value of biodiversity through ecosystem services and human wellbeing
How can biodiversity be measured and compared between sites?
measures of biodiversity including species richness, species evenness and the use of diversity indices to compare ecosystems
What threatens biodiversity and how does extinction occur?
the threats to biodiversity including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution and climate change, and the process of extinction
What different types of value does biodiversity hold and why does the distinction matter?
the ecological, economic, social and intrinsic value of biodiversity and the difference between instrumental and intrinsic value in conservation decisions
Unit 4: How can climate change and energy use be managed?
Module overview →How do Earth's four systems and the energy balance work together to control the climate?
Earth's climate system as the interaction of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere, and the global energy balance including incoming solar radiation, albedo and outgoing radiation
What evidence shows the climate is changing and what are the impacts?
the lines of evidence for climate change including direct measurements and proxy data such as ice cores, and the environmental and social impacts of climate change
What natural factors and feedback mechanisms have driven climate change throughout Earth's history?
the natural drivers of climate change including Milankovitch cycles, solar variation and volcanic activity, and the role of positive and negative feedback mechanisms in amplifying or dampening change
How does carbon move between Earth's systems, and how have humans disturbed the carbon cycle?
the carbon cycle including the main carbon stores (reservoirs), the fluxes between them, the role of fast and slow cycling, and how human activities have altered the cycle
How does the greenhouse effect work and why is the climate warming?
the natural greenhouse effect, the main greenhouse gases and their sources, and how the enhanced greenhouse effect from human activity drives global warming
Unit 3: How can biodiversity and development be sustained?
Module overview →How can biodiversity be conserved in and out of its natural habitat?
strategies for managing and conserving biodiversity including in-situ conservation (protected areas, wildlife corridors) and ex-situ conservation (captive breeding, seed banks)
How can development be made sustainable so biodiversity is not lost?
the principles of ecological sustainability and how development can be managed using approaches such as the precautionary principle, intergenerational equity and ecologically sustainable development
Unit 4: How can climate change and energy use be managed?
Module overview →What are energy and power, how are they measured, and what does energy efficiency mean?
the scientific concepts of energy and power, the units used to measure them (joules and watts), energy conversions and losses, and the meaning of energy efficiency
How can energy use be managed to reduce emissions and improve sustainability?
approaches to managing energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions including energy efficiency, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the transition to a low-carbon economy
What are the renewable and non-renewable energy sources and their impacts?
the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of non-renewable energy sources (fossil fuels, nuclear) and renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass)