To empower and equip students to: 

• • develop an understanding of their own environmental impact, in the broader context of the impact of humanity on the Earth and its biosphere 

  • develop knowledge of diverse perspectives to address issues of sustainability 

  • engage and evaluate the tensions around environmental issues using critical thinking 

  • develop a systems approach that provides a holistic lens for the exploration of environmental issues 

  • ​be inspired to engage in environmental issues across local and global contexts.

This course is for students who wish to develop a holistic appreciation of the complexities of environmental issues, in which the interaction between environmental systems and societies is central. The ESS course requires that students consider the costs and the benefits of human activities, both to the environment and to societies, on a local and global scale and over the short and long terms. In doing so, students will arrive at informed but personal viewpoints. 

ESS is an excellent subject for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the life sciences. It is particularly relevant for future pathways such as environmental law, conservation biology, and environmental engineering.

Furthermore, ESS develops students' ability to use systems thinking. This highly transferable skill is fantastic preparation for a wide range of disciplines including medicine, engineering, law, science, architecture, social studies, business studies, tourism and agriculture.

Finally, it is an interdisciplinary subject and recommended for students interested in an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in any field.