[silencer]

I am starting IB in August, but I am still struggling about my science subject... I chose environmental science but some of the teachers say that I might have difficulties getting into universities because of that choice, any advices? (help from those who graduated with environmental science as their group 4 subject would be much appreciated) THANKS

[trm90]

Ecosystems and Society is the 'easy-way-out' science, Environmental Systems is full blown science and should be treated with equal respect to Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The only reason why it's not at Higher Level is that it's such a broad topic and going deeper into any of the other specific areas requires extensive knowledge outside of the IB.

[FutureEconomist]

Originally Posted by trm90

Ecosystems and Society is the 'easy-way-out' science, Environmental Systems is full blown science and should be treated with equal respect to Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The only reason why it's not at Higher Level is that it's such a broad topic and going deeper into any of the other specific areas requires extensive knowledge outside of the IB.

May/November 2009 is the last year to have Environmental Systems examinations... SL Ecosystems and Societies will replace it - supposedly it covers similar material but in a more philosophical way... I took Environmental Systems, so I don't really know. My school is starting to teach Ecosystems and Societies next year though.

OP: I took Environmental Systems (which apparently is thought of on a similar level as Ecosystems and Societies) and I got accepted at several good UK and US universities, including 2 Ivies and UChicago.

[trm90]

Originally Posted by FutureEconomist

May/November 2009 is the last year to have Environmental Systems examinations... SL Ecosystems and Societies will replace it - supposedly it covers similar material but in a more philosophical way... I took Environmental Systems, so I don't really know. My school is starting to teach Ecosystems and Societies next year though.

OP: I took Environmental Systems (which apparently is thought of on a similar level as Ecosystems and Societies) and I got accepted at several good UK and US universities, including 2 Ivies and UChicago.

Oh my god, I can't believe this. It's like the IB doesn't want to recognise anything related to environmental or earth science anymore. Ecosystems and Societies is a watered down version of Geography, it's 60% env. science and 40% waffly social science. I'm so sick of the IB hyping up 'sustainable development' or 'resources' or 'managing the environment' in all their subjects.

Anyway, FE is right; Ecosystems and Societies/EnvSyst are both recognised as suitable subjects by universities so you're fine, OP