In the Biology course, students examine the diversity and interconnectedness of life, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to undertake tertiary study in areas such as human and animal health, environmental management and biosecurity.
Unit 1: Biodiversity and Connectedness
Unit 2: Cells and Organisms
Unit 3: Heredity and Continuity of Life
Unit 4: The Internal Environment
In this beginning unit, students will investigate and describe several diverse ecosystems, exploring the range of biotic and abiotic components to understand the dynamics, diversity and underlying unity of these systems. Students use classification keys to identify organisms, describe the biodiversity in ecosystems and investigate patterns in relationships between organisms. Students will be introduced to simple statistical analysis, learn to cite and write reference lists and learn the essentials of the scientific method. The development of critical thinking skills begins here.
In this unit, students examine inputs and outputs of cells to develop an understanding of the chemical nature of cellular systems, both structurally and functionally, and the processes required for cell survival. Students examine the structure and function of plant and animal systems at the cellular and tissue levels to describe how these systems facilitate the efficient provision of materials to and removal of materials from all cells of the organism. Students continue to develop critical thinking, statistical reasoning, and scientific methodology.
In this unit, students investigate the biochemical and cellular systems and processes involved in the transmission of genetic material to the next generation of cells and to offspring. They consider different patterns of inheritance by analysing the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring. Students investigate the genetic basis of the theory of evolution by natural selection by constructing, using, and evaluating explanatory and predictive models of gene pool diversity in populations. They explore genetic variation within gene pools, selection pressures, and isolation effects to explain speciation and extinction events and to predict future changes in populations. The development of investigative skills and their application continues with emphasis on critical thinking and thesis essay writing.
In this unit, students investigate how homeostatic response systems control organisms’ responses to environmental change – internal and external – in order to survive in a variety of environments, as long as the conditions are within their tolerance limits. Students study how the invasion of an organism’s internal environment by pathogens challenges the effective functioning of cells, tissues, and body systems, and triggers a series of short- and long-term responses to maintain system function. They consider the factors that contribute to the spread of infectious diseases and how outbreaks can be predicted, monitored, and contained. Students complete an open-ended investigation and a full scientific report.