Science Extension

(Year 12 Only)

1 Unit

Preliminary and HSC

Board Developed Course

ATAR

Yes

Hours Studied

Exclusions

Science Life Skills courses

Prerequisites

Study of at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 11 and continue the study of at least one of these science courses throughout Year 12.

Corequisites

One of, or a combination (up to 7 units of study) of, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 12.

Assumed Knowledge

Extensive literacy skills and knowledge in scientific skills and research. An aptitude for and interest in Science.

Additional Requirements

Ability to plan and run a major work project for the duration of the course. This can be on any topic of the students choosing and may include first-hand and/or second-hand investigations.

Course Overview

Science Extension is a course with a focus on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Research Report generally acceptable for publication.

Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics, in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12.

Students propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses to create a Scientific Research Report, which is supported and evidenced by a Scientific Research Portfolio. The four modules integrate the skills of Working Scientifically within the course content to form the framework for the Scientific Research Project.

Units of Study

Preliminary Course

This course only runs for the HSC course.

HSC Course

The Year 12 course consists of four modules:

Module 1 The Foundations of Scientific Thinking
Module 2 The Scientific Research Proposal
Module 3 The Data, Evidence and Decisions
Module 4 The Scientific Research Report

Assessment

The Year 12 school-based assessment program will consist of three assessment tasks and will require students to respond in written and typed formats. Tasks will consist of preliminary preparation of the Scientific Research Report, a data-based task conducted using Excel and the final Scientific Research Report and Poster.

A Trial Higher School Certificate Examination will be conducted in Term 3 of the HSC course. However, this is for practice only and does not count towards the school-based marks.

Topics, task weightings and specific requirements for each course are distributed to students at the commencement of study via their Assessment Handbook.

Other Requirements

An application for the course will be sent out in Term 3 and students will need to discuss what project they would like to run and why.

Employment/University Opportunities

The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways. Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:

Education and Training
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Public Administration and Safety

Additional Information

Science Extension is a course that sets students up for success across a range of degree’s by providing key statistical knowledge and understanding and enables students to gain a deep understanding of how to conduct valid and reliable research.

There is the opportunity to have your project published, which is a unique opportunity for a Year 12 student.

If you would like more information about this Science Extension course, please contact the Leader of Learning Science:

Ms Cassandra Aitken: cassandra.aitken@dbb.catholic.edu.au

You are welcome to visit the Science Department to discuss further.

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