The National 5 Environmental Science course is practical and experiential and develops scientific awareness of environmental issues. It involves an understanding of scientific principles, economic influences and political action. The course allows candidates to understand and investigate the world in an engaging and enjoyable way. It develops candidates’ abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course provides opportunities for candidates to acquire and apply knowledge, to evaluate environmental and scientific issues, to consider risk, and to make informed decisions. This can lead to candidates developing an informed and ethical view of topical issues