The core of the syllabus covers: Systems Theory - Structure and function of Ecosystems - The range of Biomes - Global Cycles - Atmosphere, Lithosphere, and Hydrosphere - Human Population and Resources. The problems of Global Warming and Acid Deposition are also covered in the core and an extension to the study of pollution is available as an Option as are the Impacts of Resource Exploitation. At the moment the syllabus expects the students to concentrate on either Marine or Terrestrial systems but the structure of the syllabus may change.

Like all group 4 subjects (Sciences) there is a 25% practical component. Much of the work done in Environmental systems is field work and the investigations are more open ended than in the other science subjects. There is also more scope to carry out real investigations rather than performing practical exercises. The repetition of some of these investigations means that we are slowly becoming more aware of the intricacies of our local surroundings.

Facilities are shared with the Biology department and sometimes Chemistry. However, there is no Environmental Systems Laboratory. The Biology and Environmental Systems Resource centre houses books and video material that can be consulted. IT provision is slowly improving and we are building a website with interactive pages.

Student researches can find the way into our database which has been greatly enhanced by the images made available with a digital camera from the Environmental Monitoring Unit.