MATSEC SEC Environmental Studies study plan

Map the full SEC Environmental Studies syllabus into a one-page checklist of topics and sub-topics

Define and contrast the four spheres (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere) with one Maltese example each

Explain the difference between biotic and abiotic factors and give three examples of each from a local ecosystem

Describe two nutrient cycles (carbon and nitrogen) in flow-diagram form

Identify the main rock types and the rock cycle using a labelled diagram

Trace energy flow through a food chain and explain the 10% rule with a worked calculation

Construct food webs for two Maltese habitats and predict the effect of removing one species

Compare primary and secondary succession using a local example

Explain population growth curves and carrying capacity with a graph

List three factors that affect biodiversity in small island states

Explain the greenhouse effect and distinguish it from global warming and climate change

List the main greenhouse gases and their relative contributions

Describe three projected impacts of climate change on Malta (sea level, water resources, agriculture)

Outline two mitigation strategies and two adaptation strategies relevant to Malta

Interpret a simple climate graph and describe the trend shown

Classify renewable and non-renewable energy sources and give one advantage and one limitation of each

Explain how a photovoltaic system and a wind turbine convert energy

Calculate simple energy efficiency and payback-time problems

Describe Malta's energy mix and one policy driving the shift to renewables

Evaluate one local renewable energy project using a cost-benefit framework

Describe the water cycle and explain why Malta's freshwater resources are limited

Outline two water-management measures (e.g. reverse osmosis, rainwater harvesting) and their trade-offs

Explain the causes and effects of eutrophication in a local coastal context

Describe primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment

Interpret a water-quality data set and identify a likely pollution source

List the main categories of waste and describe the waste hierarchy

Explain the difference between recycling, reuse and recovery with local examples

Describe two impacts of marine litter on Maltese coastal ecosystems

Outline the roles of regulators, local councils and households in waste management

Propose a waste-reduction plan for a school or household and justify each step

Define sustainable development and apply it to a Maltese land-use conflict

Explain the purpose of Environmental Impact Assessments and list the stages

Compare two approaches to protecting a Natura 2000 site

Describe how tourism pressures environmental resources in Malta

Evaluate one national environmental policy using criteria of effectiveness and fairness

Complete two full past papers under timed conditions

Mark both papers against the official mark scheme and log every lost mark by topic

Re-teach the three weakest topics using summary sheets

Practise data-response and extended-writing questions using a paragraph structure

Build a one-page formula and definitions sheet for final revision