Course Outline

A trans disciplinary subject, offered only at the SL level, environmental systems and society is designed to combine the techniques and knowledge associated with Group 4 (the experimental sciences) with those associated with Group 3 (individuals and societies). Because it is an interdisciplinary course, students can study ESS and have it count as either a group 3 or a group 4 course, or as both. If students choose the latter option, this leaves the opportunity to study an additional subject from any other group, including an additional group 3 or group 4 subject. The teaching approach in this course needs to be conducive to students evaluating the scientific, ethical, and socio-political aspects of environmental issues in the following topics: Foundations of environmental systems and societies; ecosystems and ecology; biodiversity and conservation; water and aquatic food production systems and societies; soil systems and terrestrial food production systems and societies; atmospheric systems and societies; climate change and energy production; and human systems and resource use. 

Students final grade will be based on a final examination worth 75 percent and an internal assessment worth 25 percent. The internal assessment (25 percent) requires a written report where the student identifies an issue, develops methodologies, collects data, and suggests solutions in a written report of 1500-2250 words. The external component (75 percent) is a final examination comprised of two papers.  Paper one is a response paper to an unseen case study.  Paper two is comprised of short answer and data- based questions, as well as two structured essay questions.

For more information please go to: https://ibo.org/