Biology  

Units 1 & 2

What is the subject about?

IWhat is the subject about?

In Biology Unit 1 - How do organisms regulate their function? students examine the cell as the structural and functional unit of life, from the single celled to the multicellular organism, including the requirements for sustaining cellular processes. Students focus on cell growth, replacement and death and the role of stem cells in differentiation, specialisation and renewal of cells. They explore how systems function through cell specialisation in vascular plants and animals, and consider the role homeostatic mechanisms play in maintaining an animal’s internal environment.

A student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation is undertaken in Area of Study 3. The investigation involves the generation of primary data and is related to the function and/or the regulation of cells or systems.

Unit 1 

• Area of study 1 – How do cells function?
• Area of study 2 – How do plant and animal systems function?
• Area of study 3 - How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how organisms regulate their functions?

In Biology Unit 2 - How does inheritance impact on diversity?  students explore reproduction and the transmission of biological information from generation to generation and the impact this has on species diversity. They apply their understanding of chromosomes to explain the process of meiosis. Students consider how the relationship between genes, and the environment and epigenetic factors influence phenotypic expression. They explain the inheritance of characteristics, analyse patterns of inheritance, interpret pedigree charts and predict outcomes of genetic crosses. 

Students analyse the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproductive strategies, including the use of reproductive cloning technologies. They study structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations that enhance an organism’s survival. Students explore interdependences between species, focusing on how keystone species and top predators structure and maintain the distribution, density and size of a population. 

They also consider the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives in understanding the survival of organisms in Australian ecosystems.

A student-directed research investigation into a contemporary ethical issue is to be undertaken in Area of Study 3. The investigation relates to the application of genetic knowledge, reproductive science, inheritance or adaptations and interdependencies beneficial for survival.

Unit 

• Area of study 1 – How is inheritance explained?
• Area of study 2 – How do inherited adaptations impact on diversity?
• Area of study 3 - How do humans use science to explore and communicate contemporary bioethical issues?

Skills you will develop

• Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions
• Plan and conduct investigations
• Comply with safety and ethical guidelines
• Generate, collate and record data
• Analyse and evaluate data and investigation methods
• Construct evidence-based arguments and draw conclusions
• Analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific ideas

Assessment Unit 1

• Test – How do cells function? 
• Case Study – The Cell Cycle
• Research Task – Body Systems
• Student Designed Practical 

Assessment Unit 2

• A data analysis of generated collated secondary data.
• Reflective annotations of a logbook of practical activities.
• Media analysis of two media sources.
• A response to an investigation into a bioethical issue relating to genetics or reproductive science or adaptations beneficial to survival

Pathways

Studying Biology can lead to the following careers

Prerequisites 

none

If you are interested please see Kylie Chafer