Science plays a major role in the evolution of knowledge by empowering us with the skills required for creative and independent problem-solving.  It arouses our natural curiosity, encourages our ability to enquire, to pose questions, and to conduct research required to obtain answers.  This approach leads to the construction of hypotheses, theories and laws that help us to explain natural phenomena, to understand human activities in relation to natural phenomena, and through this to meet the challenge of survival and progress in a diverse and changing world.

The environment and natural resource base of the Caribbean are critical for the welfare of Caribbean people.  Natural resource and environmental management and conservation are pre-requisites for sustainable development in the region.  Achieving sustainable development requires an appreciation of the value of natural resources and the environment, and the development of the knowledge base and skills required for effective management.  A firm grounding in these skills, knowledge and attitudes is provided through a study of Environmental Science.

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary subject which draws on the content of several disciplines to offer a balanced scientific and holistic perspective of environmental issues.  IT provides the knowledge base and skills to identify , prevent and solve environmental problems and thereby prepares students for ultimate careers in diverse fields of relevance to environmental management and to sustainable development of the Caribbean Region.

This CAPE syllabus in Environmental Science presents a coherent course of study which provides a specific knowledge base of the environment and which facilitate the development of related skills and attitudes.  The syllabus takes into account the requirements for tertiary education at regional and internal institutions.  IT is intended for a wide range of students, including traditional sixth form students, part-time, mature and private students.

The syllabus aims to:

• Stimulate interest in the environment;
• Develop and understanding of the interdisciplinary and holistic nature of the environment;
• Develop knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and principles and the ability to apply these to environmental management, particularly in a Caribbean context;
• Develop the ability to collect, collate, analyse and interpret environmental data;
• Develop the ability to communicate environmental information and ideas logically and concisely in a variety of forms;
• Provide an understanding of interconnections between people and the environment;
• Recognise and evaluate the socio-economic, political and ethical issues in Environmental Science;
• Foster positive attitudes, values and commitment to identifying, solving and preventing environmental problems;
• Develop an understanding of how natural resources and the environment affect quality of life and the quest for sustainable development in the Caribbean.

The syllabus is arranged into two Units.  Each Unit consists of three Modules, each Module requiring 50 contact hours.

Unit 1: Ecology, People and Natural Resource Use

• Module 1: Fundamental Ecological Principles
• Module 2: People and the Environment
• Module 3: Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Unit 2: Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Pollution

• Module 1: Sustainable Agriculture
• Module 2: Sustainable Energy Use
• Module 3: Pollution of the Environment