Biology

BIOLOGY STAGE 6 COURSE DESCRIPTION. 

New Syllabus for 2027

CATEGORY A

2 units for Year 11 and Year 12 (HSC).

Board Developed Course.

The Biology 11–12 Syllabus provides students with the opportunity to analyse, study and enjoy an understanding of the biological world around us. Students build on their learning from the Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) as they investigate phenomena, make predictions and solve problems related to health, sustainability and biotechnology. Students generate and analyse data and evaluate results to make ethical, evidence-based decisions as informed, reflective and scientifically literate citizens.

What students learn

Through the study of Biology 11–12, students:

• develop knowledge and understanding of the complex interactions between living things and how human actions can affect the environment

•  apply their knowledge of biology to investigate phenomena, make predictions, address real-world problems and explore the impact of science on society

• explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ ways of Knowing, Being and Doing enhance and provide social and Cultural context to the study of biology

• develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Course structure and requirements

Year 11 course structure and requirements

The Year 11 Biology course comprises a study of:

• 120 indicative hours across 3 focus areas, including 10 hours of depth studies

• integrated Working scientifically outcomes and content

• one fieldwork exercise.

Students are required to study all components of the course.

Year 11 focus areas

Indicative hours

Cells as the basis of life

40

Cells to systems

40

Evolution and ecosystems

40

Year 12 course structure and requirements

The Year 12 Biology course comprises a study of:

• 120 indicative hours across 4 focus areas, including 10 hours of depth studies

• integrated Working scientifically outcomes and content.

Students are required to study all components of the course.

Year 12 focus areas

Indicative hours

Heredity

30

Diseases

30

Biodiversity

30

Biotechnology

30

Working scientifically

The Working scientifically outcomes and content are integral to the study of Biology 11–12. The Working scientifically outcomes address:

• questioning and predicting

• planning scientific investigations

• conducting scientific investigations

• processing data and information

• analysing data and information

• problem-solving

• communicating.

Teachers must integrate relevant Working scientifically outcomes and content with each focus area. All the Working scientifically outcomes and content must be addressed by the end of Year 12.

Scientific investigations

Each focus area in the Biology 11–12 Syllabus includes content points that contain scientific investigations. These content points include practical investigations and secondary-source investigations and are conducted individually and collaboratively.

Practical investigations include:

• laboratory experiments

• computer simulations, modelling, processing and analysing primary data, and using appropriate digital technologies

• fieldwork.

Secondary-source investigations include:

• extracting, analysing and using data and information from secondary sources

• reorganising and communicating secondary-source data and information in the form of flow charts, tables, graphs, diagrams, written documents, keys, spreadsheets or databases

• using existing models to inform understanding.

Some students with disability may require adjustments to conduct scientific investigations.

Depth studies

Depth studies are targeted scientific investigations in which students deepen their understanding of course content through the application of Working scientifically knowledge. They provide opportunities for students to pursue their interests and deepen their scientific understanding of one or more focus areas.

• 10 hours of depth studies are undertaken as part of course requirements.

• At least ONE depth study must be completed in both Year 11 and Year 12.

• The depth study must include Working scientifically content from Questioning and predicting in addition to content from at least ONE other focus area.

• Depth studies may be completed individually or collaboratively.

Some students with disability may require adjustments in order to engage with the depth studies.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork provides students with the opportunity to develop and apply the Working scientifically outcomes and content outside the classroom. Fieldwork can be undertaken within the school grounds, around local neighbouring areas or at more distant locations.

• The completion of a minimum of one fieldwork exercise in Year 11 forms part of the indicative hours of the course.

• Fieldwork must be integrated with one or more of the following focus areas: Cells as the basis of life, Cells to systems and Evolution and ecosystems.

• Fieldwork may be integrated with the Year 11 depth study.

It is important that fieldwork is accessible to all students. Some students with disability may require adjustments in order to engage with fieldwork.

When conducting fieldwork, there are ethical issues to consider such as the effect on environments, implications for plants and animals, or intellectual property where fieldwork involves Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Teachers and students should follow the NESA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander principles and protocols. Teachers should consult their local Aboriginal Community for direction and guidance.

If fieldwork is proposed for Aboriginal sites or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the protocols of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) must be followed.

Students should be familiar with a range of Cultural protocols for working with Aboriginal Communities and ensure appropriate consultation with local Communities. For more information, refer to the NESA Working with Aboriginal Communities document.

It is the responsibility of the school to perform appropriate risk assessments and ensure duty of care is maintained for the health and safety of students undertaking off-site fieldwork activities.

Safety and risk management

Schools are required to ensure they follow safety and risk management in delivering the Biology 11–12 Syllabus.

Course enrolment details

Biology Year 11

• Course number: 11030

• Course hours: 120

• Course units: 2

• Enrolment type: Elective

• Endorsement type: Board developed

Exclusions

• Biology Life Skills (Year 11, 2 units): 16666

Prerequisites

• Nil

Corequisites

• Nil

Biology Year 12

• Course number: 15030

• Course hours: 120

• Course units: 2

• Enrolment type: Elective

• Endorsement type: Board developed

Exclusions

• Biology Life Skills (Year 12, 2 units): 16666

Prerequisites

• Biology (Year 11, 2 units): 11030

Corequisites

• Nil