Biology

Board Developed Course - 2 Units for each of Year 11 and Year 12      

Course description

The Year 11 course investigates cellular structure and provides a basis 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 on 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 non-infectious diseases.

Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics, in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12.

What students learn

Year 11 course

The Year 11 course consists of four modules:

• Module 1 Cells as the Basis of Life

• Module 2 Organisation of Living Things

• Module 3 Biological Diversity

• Module 4 Ecosystem Dynamics

Year 12 course

The Year 12 course consists of four modules:

• 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.

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

Industries related to Biology

The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.

Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:

• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

• Education and Training

• Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services

• Health Care and Social Assistance

• Mining

Assessment: Preliminary and HSC course