Biology

Module 1 (Cells as The Basis of Life)

Term 1 Week 1 - Term 1 Week 9

Cells are the basis of life. They coordinate activities to form colonial and multicellular organisms. Students examine the structure and function of organisms at both the cellular and tissue levels in order to describe how they facilitate the efficient provision and removal of materials to and from all cells in organisms. They are introduced to and investigate biochemical processes through the application of the Working Scientifically skills processes.

Students are introduced to the study of microbiology and the tools that scientists use in this field. These tools will be used throughout the course to assist in making predictions and solving problems of a multidisciplinary nature.

Students will focus on conducting investigations to collect, process and analyse data and identify trends, patterns and relationships related to cell structure and function. Students should be provided with opportunities to engage with all Working Scientifically skills throughout the course. 

 Module 2 - Organisation of Living Things

Term 1 Week 10 - Term 2 Week 6

Multicellular organisms typically consist of a number of interdependent transport systems that range in complexity and allow the organism to exchange nutrients, gases and wastes between the internal and external environments. Students examine the relationship between these transport systems and compare nutrient and gas requirements. Models of transport systems and structures have been developed over time, based on evidence gathered from a variety of disciplines. The interrelatedness of these transport systems is critical in maintaining health and in solving problems related to sustainability in agriculture and ecology.

In this module, students focus on collecting, processing and analysing data and information to: identify trends, patterns and relationships; solve problems; and communicate ideas about the organisation of living things. Students should be provided opportunities to engage with all Working Scientifically skills throughout the course.

Module 3 & 4 - Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

Term 2 Week 7 - Term 3 Week 8

Biodiversity is important to balance the Earth’s ecosystems. Biodiversity can be affected slowly or quickly over time by natural selective pressures. Human impact can also affect biodiversity over a shorter time period. In this module, students learn about the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection and the effect of various selective pressures.

Monitoring biodiversity is key to being able to predict future change. Monitoring, including the monitoring of abiotic factors in the environment, enables ecologists to design strategies to reduce the effects of adverse biological change. Students investigate adaptations of organisms that increase the organism's ability to survive in their environment.

The Earth’s biodiversity has increased since life first appeared on the planet. The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection can be used to explain periodic increases and decreases in populations and biodiversity. Scientific knowledge derived from the fossil record, and geological evidence has enabled scientists to offer valid explanations for this progression in terms of biotic and abiotic relationships. Students engage in the study of past ecosystems and create models of possible future ecosystems so that human impact on biodiversity can be minimised. The study of ecosystem dynamics integrates a range of data that can be used to predict environmental change into the future.