BIOLOGY
The Biology Stage 6 Syllabus explores the diversity of life from a molecular to a biological systems level. The course examines the 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.
Who should do this course?
Students who:
gain a Grade A to C in Year 10 Science course
have a interest in investigating Biology through theoretical work, fieldwork, research and practical work.
Note: Consider combining this course with Chemistry, Investigating Science or Physics if you are considering tertiary studies in Science.
Student reflections
All science subjects demand the use of adequate written skill and comprehension to be able to successfully answer assessment questions.
Here are some comments made by students currently studying Biology:
“Biology can be very difficult to understand if you do not focus in class. If you did well and enjoyed biology during Years 7-10 then this subject can be very interesting. It requires a lot of group work, generally not with people you normally work with. The practicals have been great. I probably spend about 2-3 hours outside of class depending on whether we have homework and assessments in order to do well in Biology. I would avoid sitting with your friends because while Biology is fun, it is not a bludge subject at all and it is easy to fall behind”
“Biology is a very interesting Science subject as it covers the origin of life and the history of many organisms. A student of Biology has to be very hardworking and dedicated to their duties. In my experience, I have never once found the subject boring. Biology has required a lot of background knowledge so if you did not do well in Years 7-10 then you are going to struggle. I would 100% recommend this subject to anyone who is interested in learning about your body and its systems.”
“Biology has been a difficult subject to master this year. If you do not focus in class and keep up with the work at home then you will definitely fall behind and struggle to do well. The assessments are very interesting but highly challenging and take a lot of time to complete. A lot of the learning is self-regulated and if you aren’t motivated to succeed then you are going to find it tough to survive. Overall Biology is a great subject and most of the topics are related to our outside lives”
How is this course taught
The subject has a Preliminary course and a HSC course. The courses are organised into 8 modules.
The Preliminary course studies Cells as the Basic of Life, Organisation of Living Things, Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Dynamics. This is a 120 hours’ course with 15 hours allocated to Depth studies within the mandatory indicative hours. One fieldwork exercise must be completed in Year 11.
The HSC course builds on the preliminary course. It includes the study of Heredity, Genetic Change, Infectious Disease and Non-Infectious Disease and Disorders. This is a 120 hours’ course with 15 hours allocated to Depth studies within the mandatory indicative hours.
Scientific investigations include both practical investigations and secondary-sourced investigations. Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 course and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time, including time allocated to practical investigations in depth studies.
How is the work assessed
60% Skills in working scientifically
40% Knowledge and understanding of course content
What are Depth Studies
A depth study is any type of investigation/activity that a student completes individual or collaboratively that allows the further development of one or more concepts found within or inspired by the syllabus. It may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities.
Requirements for Depth Studies:
A minimum of 15 hours of in-class time is allocated in both Year 11 and Year 12.
At least one depth study must be included in both Year 11 & Year 12.
The two Working Scientifically outcomes of Questioning and Predicting and Communication must be addressed in both Year 11 and Year 12.
A minimum of two additional Working Scientifically skills outcomes, and further development of at least one Knowledge and understanding outcome, are to be addressed in all depth studies.
What should I be able to do at the end of this course
Use biological terminology and be able to communicate information.
Analyse qualitative and quantitative data, solve problems and apply knowledge of biological interactions that relate to a variety of fields.
Design and conduct biological investigations both individually and collaboratively.
Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills to understand and support the natural environment.
How will this subject help me in the future?
Career opportunities within Biology include Biotechnology, Forensic Science, science teaching, nursing, environmental science, sports science, medicine, food science, medical science, research in genomics, neurology, microbiology, pharmacology and veterinary science. Careers in government and policy, business and industry, biological economics and publishing and communication.
Careers can include:
Marine Biologist, Environmental consultant, Genetic researcher, Disease researcher, Doctor, Zoologist, Veterinarian, Microbiologist, Biotechnologist
What does this course cost?
It may cost a charge for an e-book/workbook