Year 10 Subjects: Science

Year 10 Science Electives

The subjects on offer in Year 10 Science provide students with an opportunity to undertake a rewarding and specialised study. The electives will cover specific scientific content and processes in depth. Skills and concepts provide students with an excellent and informed platform for those looking to pursue a VCE science, (Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, and Environmental Science) and Physical Education. These electives also provide a solid foundation for tertiary pathways.

Students will choose two (2) semester electives from the following four (4) options, to complete a full year of science-based study.

Several of the electives are prerequisites for VCE Science subjects and Physical Education.

Recommendation: Students looking at completing VCE Chemistry are encouraged to complete either Biochemical Science or Physical Science. They also have the option of choosing both Biochemical Science and Physical Science.

Biochemical Science

Areas of Study:

Biology: Structure and manufacture of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. The processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration as reactions are important for life. The synthesis of proteins and the function of enzymes in the hydrolysis of biomolecules is investigated.

Chemistry: The atomic structure and properties of elements used to organise them in the trends of the periodic table. To explore the ionic and covalent bonding models and writing formulas and balanced chemical equations. To investigate different types of chemical reactions used to produce a range of products and factors affecting the different reaction rates.

Physical Science

Areas of Study:

Physics: Principles of electromagnetism in the function of motors; the role of electromagnetic induction in the production of electricity using alternating current (AC) generators; the function of and different types of turbines in power plants; including the use of solar panels to produce direct current (DC) electricity.

The explanation and prediction of objects in motion resulting from the interaction of external forces using Newton’s Laws of motion; the conservation of momentum and energy in collision; exploring how energy can be transformed or transferred between objects in a system.

Biological Psychology

Areas of Study:

Biology: The study of genetic inheritance and hereditability is observed across generations. Genetic inheritance is explored using Punnett squares and pedigrees and the role of chromosomes, genes and DNA in inheritance is investigated. In addition, the theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living organisms.

Psychology: The structure and function of the nervous system and brain are outlined. These concepts further enhance students understanding of social, developmental, perceptual, cognitive, and physiological aspects of everyday functioning.

Earth and Space Science

Areas of Study:

Physics: The Universe contains features including galaxies, stars, and solar systems; the Big Bang theory can be used to explain the origin of the Universe. Current models and theories behind the expansion of the universe is explored using evidence-based data.

Environmental Science: Energy flow in the Earth’s atmosphere, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, the process and impacts of the greenhouse effect and enhanced greenhouse effect. The theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activity and continental movement.

Assessments (suitable tasks for all Sciences may include):

• Topic tests
• Practical reports and field work
• Extended Practical Investigations
• Assignments
• Scientific posters
• End of Semester Examination

Recommendations:

• Students looking at completing VCE Chemistry are encouraged to complete either Biochemical Science or Physical Science. They also have the option of choosing both Biochemical Science and Physical Science.
• Students looking at competing VCE Physics are encouraged to complete Physical Science. An option of Earth and Space Science would be an advantage but not essential.
• Students looking at completing VCE Biology are encouraged to complete either Biochemical Science or Biological Psychology.
• Students looking at completing VCE Psychology are encouraged to complete Biological Psychology.
• Students looking at completing VCE Environmental Science are encouraged to complete Earth and Space Science.

Students can still accelerate into VCE Psychology, Biology and Environmental Science as a Year 10 student. These students would still choose two electives at Year 10.

*See the 'VCE: Science' page for subjected-related videos.