Board Developed Course

Link to NESA Stage 6 Subject Syllabus

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Stage 5 Science. School report achievements of mostly A and B grades for Science.

Exclusions: Nil

Cost: Excursion and fieldtrip expenses

Course Description:

The Year 11 course investigates cellular structure and provides a base for understanding the way in which multicellular organisms transport and absorb nutrients and carry out gas exchange. Exploring variations in the structures and functions of organisms provides an understanding of the effects of the environment on living things and how this leads to biodiversity.

The Year 12 course investigates reproduction, inheritance patterns and the causes of genetic variation in both plants and animals. Applications of this knowledge in biotechnology and various genetic technologies are explored in the light of their uses in the treatment, prevention and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study biology after completing school.

Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course:

The Year 11 course consists of four modules.

Cells as the Basis of Life, Organisation of

Living Things, Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

HSC Course:

The Year 12 course consists of four modules.

Heredity, Genetic Change, Infectious Disease and Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

Particular Course Requirements:

Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for Depth Studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.

A Depth Study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth Studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year. Fieldwork is also mandated in Year 11 and is an integral part of the learning process.

External Assessment:

Year 11 and Year 12 school-based assessment requirements.

Year 11 and Year 12 mandatory components and weightings.

External assessment requirements including HSC

examination specifications.

Employment / University Opportunities:

Biology, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Nursing, Environmental Science, NPWS, Teacher, Physiotherapy