Science Courses
Years 11 & 12

Matthew Grady

Science is important for developing the skills and knowledge in order to obeserve and analyse the physical and natural world around us.

Within the realm of Science, students are provided with the opportunity to select one course, or a combination of courses, as part of their timetable. At Xavier High School, we offer Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, and Physics. Along with the specific skills and content for each Science course, all courses provide opportunities for students to develop investigative depth studies that can be tailored for specific interests. 


Biology

Board Developed Course | ATAR


The Biology Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) 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.


Biology uses Working Scientifically processes to develop scientific investigative skills. It focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills in order to understand and support the natural environment. When Working Scientifically, students are provided with opportunities to design and conduct biological investigations both individually and collaboratively.


The Biology course builds on the knowledge and skills of the study of living things found in the Science Stage 5 course. The course maintains a practical emphasis in the delivery of the course content and engages with the technologies that assist in investigating current and future biological applications.


The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study biology after completing school, and supports participation in a range of careers in biology and related interdisciplinary industries. It is a fundamental discipline that focuses on personal and public health and sustainability issues, and promotes an appreciation for the diversity of life on the Earth and its habitats. 


Studying Biology offers a range of career opportunities for students such as becoming a:



Course Number: Year 11 (11030) & Year 12 (15030).

NESA Biology Stage 6 Syllabus

Number of Units: Two for each of the Preliminary Course (Year 11) and HSC Course (Year 12).

Minimum Hours: 120 hours of 'face to face' learning per year (4 hours per week).

Marks Available: 100 marks for the HSC Course (Year 12).

Exclusions: Living World Science Life Skills.

Suitability: Interested students who have consistently achieved a C grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. 


More Information



         Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time. 


HSC Course (Year 12)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time.



         Particular Course Requirements:

Students will complete 120 indicative hours of course work in both Year 11 & Year 12. Of these 120 hours in each year level, a minimum of 35 hours of course time is allocated to Practical Investigations. One fieldwork exercise must be completed in Year 11. 


 In Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) science students would have covered the topics listed below. Students who had an interest in and/or performed well in these topics should consider Biology. 

This course is suitable for interested students who have consistently achieved a C grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. A solid command of reading and comprehension would be expected. 

Costs:
Students are strongly encouraged  to purchase a Blitzing Biology Workbook for Year 12 to assist with their studies (approximately $40).

Chemistry

Board Developed Course | ATAR


The Chemistry Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) Syllabus explores the structure, composition and reactions of and between all elements, compounds and mixtures that exist in the Universe. The discovery and synthesis of new compounds, the monitoring of elements and compounds in the environment, and an understanding of industrial processes and their applications to life processes are central to human progress and our ability to develop future industries and sustainability.


The course further develops an understanding of chemistry through the application of Working Scientifically skills. It focuses on the exploration of models, understanding of theories and laws, and examination of the interconnectedness between seemingly dissimilar phenomena.


Chemistry involves using differing scales, specialised representations, explanations, predictions and creativity, especially in the development and pursuit of new materials. It requires students to use their imagination to visualise the dynamic, minuscule world of atoms in order to gain a better understanding of how chemicals interact.


The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study chemistry after completing school, and supports participation in a range of careers in chemistry and related interdisciplinary industries. It is an essential discipline that currently addresses and will continue to address our energy needs and uses, the development of new materials, and sustainability issues as they arise. 


Studying Chemistry offers a range of career opportunities for students such as becoming an:



Course Number: Year 11 (11050) & Year 12 (15050).

NESA Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus

Number of Units: Two for each of the Preliminary Course (Year 11) and HSC Course (Year 12).

Minimum Hours: 120 hours of 'face to face' learning per year (4 hours per week).

Marks Available: 100 marks for the HSC Course (Year 12).

Exclusions: Chemical World Science Life Skills.

Suitability: Interested students who have consistently achieved a B grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. It is essential that students have strong mathematical skills e.g. 5.3 Mathematics. Students need to be prepared for a significant amount of learning to be conducted at home on a weekly basis to support the classroom learning.


More Information



         Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time. 


HSC Course (Year 12)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time.



         Particular Course Requirements:

Students will complete 120 indicative hours of course work in both Year 11 & Year 12. Of these 120 hours in each year level, a minimum of 35 hours of course time is allocated to Practical Investigations. 


 In Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) science students would have covered the topics listed below. Students who had an interest in and/or performed well in these topics should consider Chemistry. 

This course is suitable for interested students who have consistently achieved a C grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. Solid mathematical skills would be required for this course. 


Costs:
Nil

Physics

Board Developed Course | ATAR


The Physics Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) Syllabus involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts that include energy and force. Physics deals with the study of phenomena on scales of space and time – from nuclear particles and their interactions up to the size and age of the Universe. This allows students to better understand the physical world and how it works, appreciate the uniqueness of the Universe, and participate in navigating and influencing the future.


The problem-solving nature of physics further develops students’ Working Scientifically skills by focusing on the exploration of models and the analysis of theories and laws, which promotes an understanding of the connectedness of seemingly dissimilar phenomena.


Students who study physics are encouraged to use observations to develop quantitative models of real world problems and derive relationships between variables. They are required to engage in solving equations based on these models, make predictions, and analyse the interconnectedness of physical entities.


The study of physics provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to support participation in a range of careers. It is a discipline that utilises innovative and creative thinking to address new challenges, such as sustainability, energy efficiency and the creation of new materials. 


Studying Physics offers a range of career opportunities for students such as becoming a:



Course Number: Year 11 (11310) & Year 12 (15330).

NESA Physics Stage 6 Syllabus

Number of Units: Two for each of the Preliminary Course (Year 11) and HSC Course (Year 12).

Minimum Hours: 120 hours of 'face to face' learning per year (4 hours per week).

Marks Available: 100 marks for the HSC Course (Year 12).

Exclusions: Physical World Science Life Skills.

Suitability: Interested students who have consistently achieved a B grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. It is essential that students have strong mathematical skills e.g. 5.3 Mathematics. Students need to be prepared for a significant amount of learning to be conducted at home on a weekly basis to support the classroom learning.


More Information



         Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time. 


HSC Course (Year 12)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time.



         Particular Course Requirements:

Students will complete 120 indicative hours of course work in both Year 11 & Year 12. Of these 120 hours in each year level, a minimum of 35 hours of course time is allocated to Practical Investigations. 


 In Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) science students would have covered the topics listed below. Students who had an interest in and/or performed well in these topics should consider Physics. 

This course is suitable for interested students who have consistently achieved a C grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. Solid mathematical skills would be required for this course.

Costs:
Nil

Investigating Science

Board Developed Course | ATAR


The Investigating Science Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) Syllabus is designed to assist students of all abilities engage with scientific processes, and apply those processes to investigate relevant personal, community and global scientific issues.


The course is firmly focused on developing the Working Scientifically skills, as they provide a foundation for students to value investigation, solve problems, develop and communicate evidence-based arguments, and make informed decisions.


The course promotes active inquiry and explores key concepts, models and phenomena. It draws and builds on the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes gained in Science Stage 5. The Stage 6 course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the value of evidence-based investigations and the use of science-based inquiry in their lives.


The Investigating Science course is designed to complement the study of the science disciplines by providing additional opportunities for students to investigate and develop an understanding of scientific concepts, their current and future uses, and their impacts on science and society.


Investigating Science encourages the development of a range of capabilities and capacities that enhance a student’s ability to participate in all aspects of community life and within a fast-changing technological landscape. The knowledge, understanding and skills gained from this course are intended to support students’ ongoing engagement with science, and to form the foundation for further studies and participation in current and emerging STEM-related post-school activities and industries. 


Studying Investigating Science offers a range of career opportunities for students such as becoming an:


Course Number: Year 11 (11215) & Year 12 (15215).

NESA Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus

Number of Units: Two for each of the Preliminary Course (Year 11) and HSC Course (Year 12).

Minimum Hours: 120 hours of 'face to face' learning per year (4 hours per week).

Marks Available: 100 marks for the HSC Course (Year 12).

Exclusions: Investigating Science Life Skills.

Suitability: Interested students who have consistently achieved a C grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. Students should have well developed mathematical and literacy skills as this subject draws upon concepts from the other Core Sciences (Bio/Chem/Phys/Earth). 

More Information



         Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time. 


HSC Course (Year 12)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time.



         Particular Course Requirements:

Students will complete 120 indicative hours of course work in both Year 11 & Year 12. Of these 120 hours in each year level, a minimum of 35 hours of course time is allocated to Practical Investigations. 

This course is suitable for interested students who have consistently achieved a C grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. Solid mathematical skills would be required for this course. 

Students are encouraged to consider this course, perhaps in conjunction with undertaking other science courses (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) as it lends itself to developing scientific skills used in all the science courses. This course should be considered if you have a general interest in science as you will have opportunities to explore areas of interest at your own ability level.

Costs:
Nil

Earth and Environmental Science

Board Developed Course | ATAR


The Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus explores the Earth’s renewable and nonrenewable resources and also environmental issues. An understanding of the Earth’s resources and the ability to live sustainably on the planet is a central purpose of the study of Earth and Environmental Science. 


The Earth and Environmental Science course builds on the knowledge and skills of Earth and Space gained in the Science Stage 5 course. The course maintains a practical emphasis in the delivery of the course content, and engages with technologies that assist in developing earth and environmental science applications. The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study earth and environmental science after completing school, and supports participation in careers in a range of related industries. 


The application of earth and environmental science is essential in addressing current and future environmental issues and challenges. It is also necessary for the use and management of geological resources that are important to Australia’s sustainable future. 


Studying Earth and Environmental Science offers a range of career opportunities for students such as becoming an:


Course Number: Year 11 (11100 ) & Year 12 (15100).

NESA Earth and Environment Science Stage 6 Syllabus

Number of Units: Two for each of the Preliminary Course (Year 11) and HSC Course (Year 12)

Minimum Hours: 120 hours of 'face to face' learning per year (4 hours per week).

Marks Available: 100 marks for the HSC Course (Year 12).

Exclusions: Earth and Space Science Life Skills.

Suitability: Interested students who have consistently achieved a B grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. Students need to be prepared for a significant amount of learning to be conducted at home on a weekly basis to support the classroom learning.


More Information



         Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course (Year 11)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time. 


HSC Course (Year 12)

Students also complete a depth study that relates to one or all modules – involves a minimum of 15 hours of in-class time.



         Particular Course Requirements:

Students will complete 120 indicative hours of course work in both Year 11 & Year 12. Of these 120 hours in each year level, a minimum of 35 hours of course time is allocated to Practical Investigations. 

This course is suitable for interested students who have consistently achieved a C grade or higher in both Year 10 Science and Year 10 English. Solid mathematical skills would be required for this course. 

Students are encouraged to consider this course, perhaps in conjunction with undertaking other science courses (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) as it lends itself to developing scientific skills used in all the science courses. This course should be considered if you have a general interest in science as you will have opportunities to explore areas of interest at your own ability level.

Costs:
Nil

Science Extension

Board Developed Course | ATAR


HSC (Year 12) Course Only


The course is designed to target high achieving students who are interested in STEAM pathways and tertiary study in Science. It is a one unit course in Year 12 that focuses on scientific research.


The Science Extension Stage 6 Syllabus focuses on the nature, development and processes of science. The course requires students to engage with complex concepts and theories and to critically evaluate new ideas, discoveries and contemporary scientific research. Students are challenged to examine a scientific research question influenced by their study of one or more of the scientific disciplines. In doing this, students extend their knowledge of the discipline(s), conduct further analysis and authentic scientific investigations, and uniquely for this course, produce a detailed scientific research report that reflects the standards generally required for publication in a scientific journal. 


Through designing and conducting their own scientific research, initially using small datasets, students deepen and build upon their understanding of analysing and interpreting data. They are provided with opportunities to refine and extend their skills of Working Scientifically by applying these interrelated processes to contemporary authentic scientific research reflecting the skills used by practising research scientists. Students gather, examine, model and critically assess evidence that is informed by analysis of primary and secondary-sourced data and examining this data in relation to relevant publicly available data sets. 


Students interrogate and refine their ideas of and about science through analysing historic and cultural observations and significant scientific research within the relevant ethical frameworks and philosophical arguments of the time. 


Science Extension is designed for students with an interest in scientific research. The course lays a foundation for students planning to pursue further study in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts or Mathematics (STEAM) based courses offered at the tertiary level, and to engage in new and emerging industries.



Course Number: Year 12 (15345).

NESA Science Extension Stage 6 Syllabus

Number of Units: One for the HSC Course (Year 12).

Minimum Hours: 60 hours of 'face to face' learning per year (2 hours per week).

Marks Available: 50 marks for the HSC Course (Year 12).

Exclusions: Students may not study any of the Science Life Skills courses. 

Prerequisites: Study one of, or a combination (up to 6 units of study) of, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 11.

Corequisites: Study one of, or a combination (up to 7 units of study) of, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 12. . 

Suitability: Students who consistently achieve an A grade in Year 10 Science.

More Information



         HSC Course (Year 12)


Students must propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses in the form of a Scientific Research Report, which is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio. 



         Particular Course Requirements

Students must comply with the prerequisite and corequisite requirements outlined above. 


Costs:
Nil