Embedded Files
UNIT 1 – How do organisms regulate their functions?
Focus:
In this unit students examine the cell as the structural and functional unit of life, from the single celled to the multicellular organism, including the requirements for sustaining cellular processes. Students focus on cell growth, replacement and death and the role of stem cells in differentiation, specialisation and renewal of cells. They explore how systems function through cell specialisation in vascular plants and animals, and consider the role homeostatic mechanisms play in maintaining an animal’s internal environment.
Assessment Tasks:
School Assessed Coursework (practical activities, tests, scientific poster)
Prerequisite:
It is strongly recommended that students have successfully studied Core Science and Extension Science at Year 10 level.
UNIT 2 – How does inheritance impact diversity?
Focus:
In this unit students explore reproduction, including Meiosis and cloning and the transmission of biological information from generation to generation and the impact this has on species diversity. Students consider how the relationship between genes, and the environment and epigenetic factors influence phenotypic expression. They explain and analyse the inheritance of characteristics. They also consider the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives in understanding the survival of organisms in Australian ecosystems.
Assessment Tasks:
School Assessed Coursework (practical work, field report, tests, research reports).
Note: Recommended that students have completed Unit 1 prior to undertaking Unit 2.
UNIT 3 – How do cells maintain life?
Focus:
In this unit students investigate the workings of the cell from several perspectives. They explore key molecules in cellular processes, including photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students analyse the structure and function of nucleic acids as information molecules. They examine the biological consequences of manipulating the DNA molecule, applying biotechnologies and how this leads to improvements in agricultural practices. Students apply their knowledge of cellular processes through investigation of a selected case study, data analysis and/or a bioethical issue.
Assessment Tasks:
Outcome 1 Explain the dynamic nature of the cell in terms of key cellular processes including regulation, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and analyse factors that affect the rate of biochemical reactions. Outcome 2 Apply a stimulus response model to explain how cells communicate with each other, outline human responses to invading pathogens, distinguish between the different ways that immunity may be acquired, and explain how malfunctions of the immune system cause disease.
Prerequisite:
It is strongly recommended that students have studied Unit 1 & 2 Biology
UNIT 4 – How does life change and respond to challenges?
Focus:
In this unit students consider the continual change and challenges to which life on Earth has been, and continues to be, subjected to. They study the human immune system and the interactions between its components to provide immunity to a specific pathogen. Students consider how the application of biological knowledge can be used to respond to bioethical issues and challenges related to disease. Students examine the evidence for relatedness between species and change in life forms over time using evidence.
Assessment Tasks:
Outcome 1 Analyse evidence for evolutionary change, explain how relatedness between species is determined, and elaborate on the consequences of biological changein human evolution. Outcome 2 Describe how tools and techniques can be used to manipulate DNA, explain how biological knowledge is applied to biotechnical applications, and analyse the interrelationship between scientific knowledge and its applications in society. Outcome 3 Design and undertake an investigation related to cellular processes and/or biological change and continuity over time, and present methodologies, findings and conclusions in a scientific poster.
Page updated
Report abuse