Science Subjects

Science at Preshil

Our Science program is designed to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking while offering flexibility for different learning goals. From Years 8 to 12, students explore core scientific concepts and can deepen their interests through electives like Rise of the Robots. Senior students can pursue pathways in VCE Science, IB Science, or VET programs, ensuring every learner can follow their passions and future aspirations.

Learn more about pathways and post-school options here.

Years 9 and 10 Core Science Options - Semester One 2027

Science Not Your Vibe?

Think science is all textbooks, note-taking and impossible words? Think again.

This subject is designed for students who learn best by doing, with a focus on hands-on experiments, investigations and practical challenges. You'll explore how your body responds to the world around it, uncover the story of life on Earth, investigate the building blocks of stuff, and discover how energy moves through our planet. You'll also get to generate electricity, test ideas and see science in action. With an increased focus on experimenting, building, testing and discovering, this subject is all about curiosity, creativity and having a go. Whether you're a future scientist, want to understand a bit about how the world works, or just need to choose a science elective, this subject might just change your mind about science.

From the Dawn of Time to Today

How did the universe begin? Where did the atoms in your body come from? Why are you more closely related to a mushroom than a shark is to an oak tree?

In this subject, we'll embark on an epic journey across 13.8 billion years of cosmic history; from the Big Bang and the birth of stars to the evolution of life on Earth and how we can overcome the challenges facing our planet today. Along the way, we'll explore black holes, space exploration, atoms, energy, waves, evolution, and the carbon cycle. We'll investigate how scientists piece together stories from fossils, starlight, radioactive decay, and DNA, and uncover how we can influence and shape Earth's future.

Expect big ideas, thought-provoking questions, awe-inspiring discoveries and plenty of opportunities to see our planet, and ourselves, in a whole new light. Because every atom in you has a story, and that story began looong before Earth even existed.

It’s Not Rocket Science (but it is?)

Humans are preparing to return to the Moon, build bases beyond Earth and search for life elsewhere in the Universe. But how do rockets actually work? Why do astronauts float? How do satellites stay in orbit? And what would it take to survive on Mars?

In this subject, you'll explore the physics behind modern space exploration through experiments, demonstrations, simulations and games such as Kerbal Space Program. Along the way, you'll investigate forces, motion, energy, gravity, waves, chemical reactions and the science of stars, galaxies and black holes. You'll do rocket science!! Building and launching rockets, analysing famous space missions and discovering how scientists search for worlds beyond our Solar System.

In space, physics makes the rules. Learn them, and you can reach for the stars. Ignore them, and your rocket becomes an expensive firework. If you enjoy problem-solving, hands-on challenges and asking big questions about the Universe, this subject is for you.

Will it Explode?

Will it explode? Sometimes. Will it fizz, glow, change colour, burst into flame, or create something completely unexpected? That's what we're here to find out and explain!

In this hands-on chemistry course, you'll explore the hidden world of atoms, elements and reactions that make up everything around you and everything in the Universe. Why are some elements incredibly reactive while others barely react at all? How did scientists discover the atom? What makes chemical reactions speed up, slow down, release energy or absorb it?

Through experiments, demonstrations and investigations, you'll uncover the patterns of the periodic table, build and balance chemical equations, and discover how atoms are constantly rearranging to create new substances.

Part science, part detective work, part controlled chaos, this subject is perfect for curious students and anyone who enjoys asking, "What happens if I mix these together?"

This subject is strongly recommended for anyone considering VCE or IB Chemistry in the future.

Years 9 and 10 Core Science Options - Semester Two 2027

Myth Busters

Can a piece of toast really only land butter-side down? Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis? Could you survive in space without a helmet?

In this class you'll put myths, rumours, movie scenes and internet "facts" to the test using the same approach made famous by great thinkers throughout history: ask questions, design experiments, collect evidence as you see what actually happens.

Along the way, we'll investigate some of science's biggest ideas like how diseases spread, how species evolve, how the universe began, how waves carry energy, and how electricity powers our world. Expect plenty of hands-on challenges, demonstrations, building, testing, measuring and occasionally discovering that the internet was wrong.

The semester culminates with your own myth-busting investigation, where you'll design and conduct an experiment to determine whether a claim is Confirmed, Plausible, or Busted!! Because in science, "everyone knows" isn't evidence.

Biomedical Science

How did scientists discover blood types? Why do vaccines work? What can your DNA reveal about you and your ancestors?

Biomedical Science explores the fascinating science of the human body through the lens of medicine, discovery and innovation. You'll investigate how body systems work together to keep us alive, how diseases spread, how we fight them and how genetics shapes everything from inherited traits and evolution to modern medical treatments. Along the way, we'll meet some of the scientists whose breakthroughs transformed human health and examine the evidence that has helped us understand life itself.

Through laboratory investigations, case studies and hands-on activities, you'll explore anatomy, physiology, immunology, genetics and evolution while building the skills and knowledge needed for senior Biology. If you've ever wondered how doctors diagnose disease, how scientists develop new treatments, or what makes you you, this subject is for you!

Students intending to enrol in Senior Biology in the future are recommended to undertake this subject.

Ruler of the universe

What if the Universe came with an instruction manual? Why do planets stay in orbit? How does electricity travel from a power station to your phone charger? Why can't energy be created out of thin air?

In Ruler of the Universe, you'll explore the laws that govern everything; from falling apples to distant galaxies. Through experiments, demonstrations and hands-on challenges, you'll investigate motion, forces, energy, waves and electricity, uncovering the rules that shape our world and beyond. You'll discover how we use these laws to explain everything from lightning storms to space travel.

This subject is designed for curious minds who enjoy asking big questions. Because if you want to understand the Universe, you first need to understand its rules, and once you do you'll never look at the world the same way again.

Students intending to enrol in Senior Physics in the future are recommended to undertake this subject.

CSI: Preshil

A single fingerprint. A strand of hair. A drop of blood. Could you solve a crime using science?

In CSI: Preshil, you'll step into the role of a forensic investigator using biology, chemistry, physics and psychology to uncover what really happened! You'll analyse fingerprints, handwriting, fibres and DNA, investigate the chemistry of evidence, and explore how atoms, elements and forces can help reconstruct crime scenes. Can eyewitnesses always be trusted? How does DNA identify a suspect? What can blood splatter reveal about a sequence of events?

Through hands-on investigations, experiments and case studies, you'll learn how forensic scientists use evidence, logic and the scientific method to test competing theories and build a case.

Because in forensic science, the truth is out there…. but you'll need evidence to find it!

VCE Science Subjects:

VCE Biology - AREA OF STUDY

Scope
The study of Biology explores the diversity of life as it has evolved and changed over time, and considers how living organisms function and interact. It explores the processes of life, from the molecular world of the cell to that of the whole organism, and examines how life forms maintain and ensure their continuity. Students study contemporary research, models and theories to understand how knowledge in biology has developed and how this knowledge continues to change in response to new evidence and discoveries. An understanding of the complexities and diversity of biology provides students with the opportunity to appreciate the interconnectedness of concepts and areas both within biology, and across biology and the other sciences.

Rationale
VCE Biology enables students to explore how life is sustained at the cellular, system, and species levels, emphasising the interconnectedness of living systems and the consequences of change. Students develop an understanding of molecular and evolutionary processes and the scientific skills that underpin modern biology. They also examine how biological knowledge is applied to solve real-world problems and drive innovation. This study supports further education and careers in diverse fields such as medicine, genetics, ecology, biotechnology, and environmental science, as well as in cross-disciplinary areas like forensic science, conservation, and health care. 

VCE Chemistry - AREA OF STUDY

Scope
The study of VCE Chemistry involves investigating and analysing the composition and behaviour of matter, and the chemical processes involved in producing useful materials for society in ways that minimise adverse effects on human health and the environment. Chemistry underpins the generation of energy for use in homes and industry, the maintenance of clean air and water, the production of food, medicines and new materials, and the treatment of wastes. As well as increasing their understanding of scientific processes, students develop insights into how knowledge in chemistry has changed, and continues to change, in response to new evidence, discoveries and thinking. Students explore the impact of chemistry on their own lives, and on society and the environment. Developing capacities that enable them to critically assess the strengths and limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical contexts of scientific endeavours.

Rationale
VCE Chemistry allows students to explore the nature and behaviour of chemicals and chemical processes, including biochemical and geophysical phenomena. Through practical investigations and the application of chemical principles, students analyse and synthesise materials while considering the impact of chemical production on human health and the environment. The study integrates sustainability concepts and supports pathways into further study and a wide range of careers. Chemistry is essential in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, environmental science, engineering, agriculture, forensic science, and biochemistry, with applications across both research and industry.

VCE Psychology - AREA OF STUDY

Scope
Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that seeks to describe, explain, understand and predict human behaviour and mental processes. It includes many sub-fields of study that explore and seek to better understand how individuals, groups, communities and societies think, feel and act. Students study contemporary research, models and theories to understand how knowledge in psychology has developed and how this knowledge continues to change in response to new evidence and discoveries to solve day-to-day problems and improve psychological wellbeing. Where possible, engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of doing, being and knowing has been integrated into the study, providing students with the opportunity to contrast the Western paradigm of psychology with Indigenous psychology. An understanding of the complexities and diversity of psychology provides students with the opportunity to appreciate the interconnectedness of concepts both within psychology and across psychology and the other sciences.

Rationale
VCE Psychology allows students to investigate the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour by exploring biological, psychological, and social influences. Through scientific inquiry and evidence-based analysis, students develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is applied to solve real-world problems and inform personal and societal decisions. The study builds confidence in using psychological concepts in everyday life and promotes critical thinking about human behaviour. VCE Psychology also supports future study and careers in a wide range of fields, including clinical, forensic, health, educational, and organisational psychology, as well as in research, human services, emergency response, and community support roles.

VCE Physics - AREA OF STUDY - VIA VIRTUAL SCHOOL

Scope

The study of VCE Physics involves investigating, understanding and explaining the behaviour of physical phenomena in the Universe. Models, including mathematical models, are used to explore, simplify and predict how physical systems behave at varying scales from the very small (quantum and particle physics) through to the very large (astronomy and cosmology). Beginning with classical ideas and considering their limitations, and then being introduced to more modern explanations of the world, provides a novel lens through which students experience the world around them, drawing on their natural curiosity and wonder. Conceptual understanding is developed as students study topics including light, atomic physics, radiation, thermal physics, electricity, fields, mechanics, quantum physics and the nature of energy and matter. Students are given agency through a choice of options and in designing and undertaking their own investigations.

Rationale
VCE Physics enables students to explore and explain natural phenomena across scales from subatomic particles to galaxies through observation, experimentation, and mathematical analysis. Students engage with major theories such as relativity and quantum physics, while also examining how evolving scientific ideas drive technological innovation. The study emphasises the importance of modelling and experimentation in developing scientific understanding and laws. Practical investigations help students apply physics principles to real-world problems. VCE Physics supports pathways to further study and diverse careers in fields like engineering, astrophysics, medical imaging, nuclear science, renewable energy, and transport safety, as well as in cross-disciplinary research areas such as climate science, materials science, and sports technology.

IB Science Subjects: To learn more about the Science courses offered in the IB Diploma Programme, please visit the IB Diploma section here.

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