Year 11 Biology
(Units 1 & 2)

COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 1 – How do organisms regulate their function? 

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. 

Outcome 1 

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain and compare cellular structure and function and analyse the cell cycle and cell growth, death and differentiation. 

Outcome 2 

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain and compare how cells are specialised and organised in plants and animals, and analyse how specific systems in plants and animals are regulated. 

Outcome 3

 On completion of this unit the student should be able to adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation related to function and/or regulation of cells or systems, and draw a conclusion based on evidence from generated primary data. 

Unit 2 – How does inheritance impact on diversity? 

In this unit students explore reproduction and the transmission of biological information from generation to generation and the impact this has on species diversity. They apply their understanding of chromosomes to explain the process of meiosis. Students consider how the relationship between genes, and the environment and epigenetic factors influence phenotypic expression. They explain the inheritance of characteristics, analyse patterns of inheritance, interpret pedigree charts and predict outcomes of genetic crosses. 

Students analyse the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproductive strategies, including the use of reproductive cloning technologies. They study structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations that enhance an organism’s survival. Students explore interdependences between species, focusing on how keystone species and top predators structure and maintain the distribution, density and size of a population. They also consider the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives in understanding the survival of organisms in Australian ecosystems. 

Outcome 1 

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain and compare chromosomes, genomes, genotypes and phenotypes, and analyse and predict patterns of inheritance. 

Outcome 2

 On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse advantages and disadvantages of reproductive strategies, and evaluate how adaptations and interdependencies enhance survival of species within an ecosystem. 

Outcome 3

 On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify, analyse and evaluate a bioethical issue in genetics, reproductive science or adaptations beneficial for survival. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS 

Unit 1

• Outcome 1- May include a range of tasks including, but not limited to, practical reports, analysis of second-hand data, media response and modelling or simulation activity.

•  Outcome 1- May include a range of tasks including, but not limited to, practical reports, analysis of second-hand data, media response and modelling or simulation activity

•  Outcome 3 - Practical Investigation and submission of a scientific poster.

•  Examination 

Unit 2

•  Outcome 1 - May include a range of tasks including, but not limited to, practical reports, case study, media response and response to a issue.

•  Outcome 2 - May include a range of tasks including, but not limited to, practical reports, case study, media response and response to a issue.

•  Outcome 3 - Investigation of a bioethical issue

•  Examination