Courses

Biology

Year 11 and 12 ATAR Pathway|Science

Biology

Ian Simpson
Curriculum Leader – Science

Biology

Tilly Spadaccini

Biology ATAR information video

Biology is the study of the fascinating diversity of life. Investigation of biological systems and their interactions, from the cellular level to ecosystem dynamics, has led to biological knowledge and understanding that enable us to explore and explain everyday observations, find solutions to biological issues, and understand the processes of biological continuity and change over time.

Living systems are all interconnected and interact. These interactions are evident from the molecular level through the ecosystem level. Investigation of living systems involves classification of key components and analysis of how these interact, particularly with regard to the movement of matter and the transfer and transformation of energy. Students will analyse the ways living systems change over time, develop an understanding of the factors that impact them and investigate how organisms respond to internal and external changes within their environment. The theory of evolution by natural selection is critical to explaining biology and it will be studied in this course.

To understand, address and successfully manage environmental, health and sustainability challenges we need an understanding of biology. Issues addressed include bio-security, resilience of ecosystems, the health and well-being of organisms and their populations, and the sustainability of biological resources. Students will use their understanding of the interconnectedness of biological systems when evaluating human impacts. Students will also propose strategies to address biological challenges now and in the future at the local, national and global levels.

Studying the Biology ATAR course provides students with skills and understandings that are valuable to a wide range of pathways and careers including medical, veterinary, food and marine sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, environmental rehabilitation, biosecurity, quarantine, conservation and eco-tourism. This course will also provide a foundation for those wanting to develop their application and critical thinking skills.

Courses

Year 11 ATAR Course

Unit 1 - Ecosystems and Biodiversity

When studying Ecosystems and Biodiversity, students will investigate and describe ecosystems and explore their biotic and abiotic components, dynamics and diversity. Understanding will be developed of energy and matter movements. Interactions within and between species, and the interactions between abiotic and biotic components, will also be investigated. Studies of population numbers, species diversity and species interactions will be completed. Students will identify organisms using classification, describe the biodiversity in ecosystems and investigate ecological relationships between organisms. Much of this will be achieved through fieldwork and the student-centred research.

Unit 2 - From Single Cells to Multicellular Organisms

When covering From Single Cells to Multicellular Organisms the initial focus will be the cell. Students will learn that all cells possess some common features then broaden their understanding to look at prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as autotrophic and heterotrophic cells. Students will examine cellular inputs and outputs to develop an understanding of the processes required for survival. A higher-order understanding of photosynthesis, cellular respiration and enzymes will also be developed. Students will use this knowledge to understand multicellular organisms as being interdependent systems of cells that are organised into tissues, organs and systems. The structure and function of animal gas exchange, transport and digestive systems will be explored, as will plant transport and gas exchange systems.

Students will use science inquiry skills to design and conduct investigations, they will construct and use models to analyse the data gathered, and they will continue to develop their skills in constructing plausible predictions and valid, reliable conclusions.

Assessments
  • Science Inquiry
    30%

    Practical skills and fieldwork.

  • Extended Response
    10%

    Open-ended questions that draw on a variety of resources.

  • Tests
    20%

    Tests typically consist of multiple choice questions, and questions requiring short and extended answers.

  • Examination
    40%

    Typically conducted at the end of each semester and/or unit.

Year 12 ATAR Course

Unit 3 - Continuity of Species

Heredity is an important biological principle as it explains why offspring resemble their parent. Organisms require cellular division and differentiation for growth, development, repair and sexual reproduction. In Continuity of Species, students investigate the transmission of genetic material to the next generation of cells and to offspring. They consider and describe patterns of inheritance to predict the likelihood of traits in offspring. Furthermore, students will investigate the theory of evolution by natural selection and explore genetic variation in gene pools, selection pressures and isolation in order to explain speciation and extinction events. They will use this knowledge to make predictions about future populations.

Unit 4 - Surviving in Changing Environment

When studying Surviving in a Changing Environment students will develop an appreciation of homeostasis in both plants and animals. More specifically an understanding will be developed of how organisms maintain a constant internal environment despite ongoing changes to the environment that surrounds them. Changes in temperature and water availability along with the incidence and spread of disease will be investigated. Students will also study changes in the global distribution of vector-borne infectious diseases along with the factors that contribute to infectious disease outbreaks. Students will use science inquiry skills to design and conduct investigations, will construct and use models to analyse the data gathered, and they will continue to develop their skills in constructing plausible predictions and valid, reliable conclusions.

Assessments
  • Science Inquiry
    20%

    Practical skills and fieldwork.

    Investigations.

  • Extended Response
    10%

    Open-ended questions that draw on a variety of resources.

  • Tests
    20%

    Tests typically consist of multiple choice questions, and questions requiring short and extended answers.

  • Examination
    50%