Specification for first teaching in 2017: Specification
PDF | 1.1 MB
Research methods include details of the methods used to investigate a wide range of environmental issues. It is not expected that students will have first hand experience of all of these although, where this is possible, it will enhance their learning experience. The required practical skills are detailed in Appendix A: Working scientifically and opportunities for developing these skills are signposted throughout the subject content.
Students must understand the general principles of scientific methodology and be able to apply these to a wide range of environmental situations and techniques.
Preliminary studies may be used to ensure the study will produce representative data.
Practical activities should be carried out with consideration of their environmental impacts and how these can be minimised.
Students must undertake experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of environmental contexts. They must also know how to safely and correctly use a range of practical equipment and materials.
Students must carry out practical activities using the best contemporary practices for risk assessment and safe working in the laboratory and during fieldwork.
Working scientifically
Where appropriate, the research methods included in Section 3.7 can be incorporated into the required methodologies and sampling techniques included in Appendix A: Working scientifically , of which students must have first hand experience.
The methodologies and sampling techniques of which students must have experience should not be carried out in isolation. They should be set in a clear environmental context, as exemplified throughout the other sections of the specification.