Environmental Science (Level 3) Diploma Course

Course Structure

The OLQA Level 3 Diploma in Environmental Science course is divided into 10 comprehensive modules:

Module 1: Conditions for Life on Earth and Wildlife Conservation

This is the module that sets the scene for subsequent modules and will form the basis of the course. Students will look at what conditions need to exist on our planet in order to sustain life. The concepts and processes of wildlife conservation are discussed and linked to sustainment of human existence.

Module 2: Life Processes and the biosphere

This module explores the concepts of species and environments. We consider succession and what this means in terms of environmental influences. In addition populations will be discussed, particularly concentrating on evolutionary processes within these groups and how different external environmental influences impact these. We will look at issues surrounding mortality and how to explore various statistics that impart information about this process. We will also look at basic statistical processes within environmental science.

Module 3: Land Resources

Without land and its resources, no life would be sustained. In this module we look at how landscapes can be conserved and management of habitats relevant to the environment and sustainability of resources. We also look at intervention programmes and how effective these are. In addition conflicts within the conservation paradigm are examined and discussion about various resolution processes explored.

Module 4: The Atmosphere

What occurs in the earth's atmosphere is just as important as what we do on land. In this module the composition of the atmospheric layers are discussed and also how different organisms survive within these layers. In addition we look at contamination issues and the characteristics of radiation, together with the implications for global climate changes. The module also discusses various interventions and resolution theories.

Module 5: The Hydrosphere

This module is mainly concerned with the properties and role of water within the hydrospheric layer. We will examine and discuss the composition of the layer and look at the hydrological cycle, with relevance to sustaining species.

In addition we will consider water as a resource and how this resource is managed. Discussion of water treatment programmes will be presented, together with different techniques, processes and implications, paying particular attention to fulfilling demands.

Module 6: The Lithosphere

This layer is concerned with rocks, minerals and elements and the module will discuss distribution and availability of these components. There will be discussion of soil composition, fossil fuels and general geological processes.

In addition we will examine resource reserves and conservation relevant to this group, and look at how demands are met and managed. The module will also look at various key cycles, for example the carbon cycle.

Module 7: Energy

Essential to life and crucial to sustainability we look at factors affecting energy generation and use. This module will also discuss and compare renewable and non-renewable energy sources, looking at the pros and cons for both.

The storage of energy is a topical issue and this will be looked at in detail, together with how the demands and limitations are managed in the face of global energy crises. We will also consider energy conservation programmes, together with industry and consumer issues relating to energy production, use and conservation.

Module 8: Pollution

In this module we will define and describe the different types of pollution, also looking at how it impacts climate change and the way we exist. We will consider the different methods of pollution control, weighing up the pros and cons for examples and relating them to energy production, use and also the effects on the atmospheric layers of the earth.

Module 9: Human Populations and Food Production Systems

Changes in population affect every area of life but this module specifically considers these changes relating to food production and how food production practises change to accommodate varying needs. In addition, climate changes affect agricultural techniques and output; these are considered as well.

We will also look at the demands and available resources, together with considering the environmental impact of farming methods. In addition we will examine various controls relevant to food production and the economic and political factors involved.

The nutritional aspects of population demands are important and this module will discuss these issues in depth, together with maintaining sustainability.

Module 10: Forestry and Sustainability

In this module we look at forestry as a resource and how we can manage and sustain this vital resource, particularly in the face of environmental change.

We look at deforestation and consider its impacts on the environment and different species.

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