Biology

Course No: 11030 Year 11, 15030 Year 12

Course Description

Year 11 Biology students investigate organisms at both the observable and microscopic level. Studying organisms at a microscopic level promotes an understanding of cell structure and function. It also provides a basis for understanding how multicellular organisms transport and absorb nutrients and carry out gas exchange. At an observable level students explore variations in the structures and functions of organisms providing them with an understanding of the effects of the environment on living things and on biodiversity. In year 12 students investigate 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 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.

What Students Learn

Practical investigations and fieldwork are an integral part of learning in Biology. In year 11 a Biology camp is held over two days to allow students to experience more detailed fieldwork.

The Year 11 course comprises 4 modules:

Module 1 Cells as the Basis of Life
Module 2 Organisation of Living Things
Module 3 Biological Diversity
Module 4 Ecosystem Dynamics

The Year 12 course comprises 4 modules:

Module 5 Heredity
Module 6 Genetic Change
Module 7 Infectious Disease
Module 8 Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

What are the most difficult aspects of the Biology course?

The amount of content covered in the Biology syllabus is very high. To do well in Biology you need to be able to develop a weekly routine to regularly go over definitions and complete weekly homework questions that are aimed at reviewing concepts learned.

How much homework is required in Biology?

You can expect 2-3 hours weekly maintaining your summaries, completing weekly success criteria questions and preparing for assessment tasks.

How can I do well in Biology?

Although the concepts are generally not difficult, the amount of concepts required to be learned and understood is very large. Making sure the syllabus does not become overwhelming by writing and maintaining summaries from day one is important to do well in Biology.

Is this course conceptually difficult to understand?

The concepts in Year 11 Biology are not difficult to understand and build on the Stage 5 syllabus. However, the concepts become much more abstract and the amount of content increases substantially into Year 12.

I did not do well in junior science... should I take Biology?

If you are interested in learning about how the body works and how plants work, your passion for learning will help you. Having a strong ability to write explanations and descriptions would also help you in Biology. There is not a lot of mathematics in Biology.

Is Biology easier than Physics and Chemistry?

This depends on your strengths. If you are good at maths, and understanding abstract concepts, then you will find that Physics and Chemistry are actually better suited to your learning style. If you enjoy writing and explaining concepts about how life works then you will find Biology is better suited to your strengths.

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Important NESA Information

2 units for each of Year 11 and Year 12

Board Developed Course

Exclusions: Nil (max of 6 units of Science courses in Year 11)

Course Description

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 non-infectious diseases.

Topics Covered

Year 11

Cells as the Basis of Life
Organisation of Living Things
Biological Diversity
Ecosystem Dynamics

Topics Covered

Year 12

Heredity
Genetic Change
Infectious Disease
Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

Particular 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.

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