Biology

Purpose

Biology is the study of life, what it is and what it needs to flourish in all its diversity. This involves the study of important molecules, their movement in a cell and the energy processes that are needed for all these things to occur. This course will explore DNA as a molecule that helps create proteins and that can be passed on from generation to generation. We will finally take a macro picture of life as it changes over time and within a population. Biology enables students to understand and think critically about the diverse ways of meeting the challenges of survival. The biology course is designed to prepare the student for the study of VCE Biology.

Structure and Content

Biomacromolecules 

• Biomacromolecules, their movement and energy 

• Describing the structure and function of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids • Outlining the processes required to move substances in an out of cells

• Investigating the energy and carbon needs of cells and how these needs are met 

• Highlighting the importance of enzymes to help speed up reactions in a cells. 

Genetics 

• Describing the role of DNA as the blueprint for controlling the characteristics of organisms 

• Recognising that genetic information is passed on to offspring from both parents 

• Describing the processes of transcription and translation 

• Representing patterns of inheritance of characteristics through generations of a family 

• Predicting simple ratios of offspring genotypes and phenotypes in crosses 

• Describing mutations as changes in DNA or chromosomes and outlining the factors that contribute to causing mutations. 

Evolution 

• Outlining the theory of evolution 

• Outlining the processes of variation, isolation and natural selection 

• Investigating selection pressures and the process of artificial selection 

• Relating genetic characteristics to survival and reproductive rates 

• Critically evaluating and interpreting evidence for evolution.