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 focuses on the centrality of observation in initiating the scientific process and examines the human tendency to draw inferences and make generalisations from these observations. Students learn about the development and use of scientific models and the similarities and differences between scientific theories and laws.

The Year 12 course builds on the skills and concepts learnt in Year 11 with students conducting their own scientific investigations and communicating their findings in scientific reports. Students are provided with the opportunity to examine the interdependent relationship between science and technology and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to scientifically examine a claim. The course concludes with students exploring the ethical, social, economic and political influences on science and scientific research in the modern world.

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

Main Topics Covered:

The Year 11 course consists of four modules.

Cause and Effect - Observing, Cause and Effect - Inferences and generalisations, Scientific Models and Theories and Laws.

The Year 12 course consists of four modules.

Scientific Investigations

Technologies

Fact or Fallacy

Science and Society.

Particular Course Requirements:

Students are provided with 30 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.

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:

Teacher, Lab/Field Technician, Scientific research and project-based studies.