Module 2: Organisation of Living Things

● compare the differences between unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms by:

– investigating structures at the level of the cell and organelle

– relating structure of cells and cell specialisation to function

● investigate the structure and function of tissues, organs and systems and relate those functions to cell differentiation and specialisation

● justify the hierarchical structural organisation of organelles, cells, tissues, organs, systems and organisms

● investigate the structure of autotrophs through the examination of a variety of materials, for example:

– dissected plant materials

– microscopic structures

– using a range of imaging technologies to determine plant structure

● investigate the function of structures in a plant, including but not limited to:

– tracing the development and movement of the products of photosynthesis

● investigate the gas exchange structures in animals and plants through the collection of primary and secondary data and information, for example:

– microscopic structures: alveoli in mammals and leaf structure in plants

– macroscopic structures: respiratory systems in a range of animals

● interpret a range of secondary-sourced information to evaluate processes, claims and conclusions that have led scientists to develop hypotheses, theories and models about the structure and function of plants, including but not limited to:

– photosynthesis

– transpiration-cohesion-tension theory

● trace the digestion of foods in a mammalian digestive system, including:

– physical digestion

– chemical digestion

– absorption of nutrients, minerals and water

– elimination of solid waste

● compare the nutrient and gas requirements of autotrophs and heterotrophs

● investigate transport systems in animals and plants by comparing structures and components using physical and digital models, including but not limited to:

– macroscopic structures in plants and animals

– microscopic samples of blood, the cardiovascular system and plant vascular systems

● investigate the exchange of gases between the internal and external environments of plants and animals

● compare the structures and function of transport systems in animals and plants, including but not limited to:

– vascular systems in plants and animals

– open and closed transport systems in animals

● compare the changes in the composition of the transport medium as it moves around an organism