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Course Overview
Course Overview
Biology explores the diversity of life from a molecular to a biological systems level. The course examines interactions between living things and the environments in which they live. It explores the application of biology and its significance in finding solutions to health and sustainability issues in a changing world.
The study of biology, which is often undertaken in interdisciplinary teams, complements the study of other science disciplines and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related courses. The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study biology after completing school, and supports participation in a range of careers in biology and related interdisciplinary industries. It is a fundamental discipline that focuses on personal and public health and sustainability issues, and promotes an appreciation for the diversity of life on the Earth and its habitats.
Course Structure - Year 11
Course Structure - Year 11
Module 1: Cells are the basis of life.
Module 1: Cells are the basis of life.
- What distinguishes one cell from another?
- How do cells coordinate activities within their internal environment and the external environment?
- How are cells arranged in a multi-cellular organism?
Module 2: Organisation of living things
Module 2: Organisation of living things
- What is the difference in nutrient and gas requirements between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
- How does the composition of the transport medium change as it moves around an organism?
- How do environmental pressures promote a change in species diversity and abundance?
- How do adaptations increase the organism's ability to survive? What is the relationship between evolution and biodiversity?
- What is the evidence that supports the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection?
Module 3: Biological Diversity
Module 3: Biological Diversity
- How do environmental pressures promote a change in species diversity and abundance?
- How do adaptations increase the organism’s ability to survive?
- What is the relationship between evolution and biodiversity?
- What is the evidence that supports the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection?
Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics
Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics
- What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?
- How do selection pressures within an ecosystem influence evolutionary change?
- How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?
Course Structure - Year 12
Course Structure - Year 12
Module 5: Heredity
Module 5: Heredity
- How does reproduction ensure the continuity of a species?
- How important is it for genetic material to be replicated exactly?
- Why is polypeptide synthesis important?
- How can the genetic similarities and differences within and between species be compared?
- Can population genetic patterns be predicted with any accuracy?
Module 6: Genetic Change
Module 6: Genetic Change
- How does mutation introduce new alleles into a population?
- How do genetic techniques affect Earth’s biodiversity?
- Does artificial manipulation of DNA have the potential to change populations forever?
Module 7: Infectious Disease
Module 7: Infectious Disease
- How are diseases transmitted?
- How does a plant or animal respond to infection?
- How does the human immune system respond to exposure to a pathogen?
- How does the human immune system respond to exposure to a pathogen?
- How can the spread of infectious diseases be controlled?
Module 8: Non-infectious Disease and Disorders
Module 8: Non-infectious Disease and Disorders
- How is an organism’s internal environment maintained in response to a changing external environment?
- Do non-infectious diseases cause more deaths than infectious diseases?
- Why are epidemiological studies used?
- How can non-infectious diseases be prevented?
- How can technologies be used to assist people who experience disorders?
Coursework
The course maintains a practical emphasis in the delivery of the course content and engages with the technologies that assist in investigating current and future biological applications. Through the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, students are encouraged to solve problems and apply knowledge of biological interactions that relate to a variety of fields.
Suitable Candidates
Students who have enjoyed Science in Years 9 and 10, particularly those who are looking at careers in ecology, animal husbandry, research or medicine related fields
Career Paths
Biological Technician, Biochemist, Genetic Counselor, Health Communications Specialist, Health Educator, Pharmaceutical / Medical Product Sales Representative, Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner
Equipment Required
Exercise book / folder, laptop, calculator, black leather lace up shoes
Mandatory Course Fees? No
Coordinating Faculty
Science
Head Teacher
Mrs. S Norrish
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