2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC

Board Developed Course (Category A)

ATAR Course

Exclusions: None

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

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.

The Year 11 course investigates cellular structure and provides a base for understanding the way in which multicellular organisms transport and absorb nutrients and carry out gas exchange. Exploring variations in the structures and functions of organisms provides an understanding of the effects of the environment on living things and how this leads to biodiversity.

The Year 12 course investigates reproduction, inheritance patterns and the causes of genetic variation in both plants and animals. Applications of this knowledge in biotechnology and various genetic technologies are explored in the light of their uses in the treatment, prevention and control of infectious and noninfectious diseases.

Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary:

• • Module 1 Cells as the Basis of Life

  • Module 2 Organisation of Living Things

  • Module 3 Biological Diversity

  • Module 4 Ecosystem Dynamics

HSC:

• • Module 5 Heredity

  • Module 6 Genetic Change

  • Module 7 Infectious Disease

  • Module 8 Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

Course Requirements

Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for depth studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.

A depth study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year.

Fieldwork is also mandated in Year 11 and is an integral part of the learning process.

For more information about this course, please see: Ms Magistrado, Mr Tiglao, Miss Burrows