Biology

What is Biology about

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about variations in the structures and functions of organisms and provides an understanding of the effects of the environment on living things. Students investigate reproduction, inheritance patterns and the causes of genetic variation. Applications of this knowledge in biotechnology and genetic technologies are explored.

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.


Biology is a 2 unit ATAR subject


What do we study in Biology?

Year 11

The Year 11 course investigates cellular structure and provides a basis 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 on biodiversity.


The Year 11 course consists of four modules:

  • Module 1 Cells as the Basis of Life

  • Module 2 Organisation of Living Things

  • Module 3 Biological Diversity

  • Module 4 Ecosystem Dynamics

Year 12

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 Year 12 course consists of four modules:

  • Module 5 Heredity

  • Module 6 Genetic Change

  • Module 7 Infectious Disease

  • Module 8 Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

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 (excursions) is also mandated in Year 11 and is an integral part of the learning process.

It is a course with a considerable amount of scientific vocabulary and theoretical content. Students need good work ethics since the start of Year 11 to build their knowledge and understanding towards their final HSC exam.


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