In its broadest sense, science is an evolving body of skills, theories and knowledge about the nature of the world, based on observation, measurement and experiment. In order to begin participating in tertiary science studies, students require a fundamental toolkit of scientific literacy that includes key concepts, language, and skills. This subject provides an overview of, and grounding in, fundamental scientific concepts including the nature of matter and energy, and the flow of energy and cycling of matter through key processes in the biosphere. Integrating these concepts within a framework of a contemporary issue, climate change, enables students to build skills in applying scientific concepts, methods and problem-solving techniques, as well as furthering an understanding of interrelationships between science and other aspects of society. The subject imparts a basic body of essential scientific knowledge, as well as facilitating skills in collecting and analysing information and writing coherent explanations within a scientific framework.