Biology

VCE Biology Unit 

At the start of the term, our Year 11 Biology class travelled to Melbourne Polytechnic to complete their Area of Study 3 practical component.  This was organised through our partnership with the Whittlesea Technical School.

This Area of Study in VCE Biology Unit 1 involves in depth Scientific Investigation that students help design in the area of Microbiology. They investigated the global issue of antibiotic resistance due to the major overuse of antibiotics in the western world. 

Our students chose their own natural products to investigate, for example honey or lemon rind, and investigated their natural antimicrobial properties on populations of E. coli and L. acidophilus. 

We were lucky enough to use the Melbourne Polytechnic’s Microbiology Laboratory and use unique scientific equipment associated with microbiology such as a vortex and centrifuge. Students collected and analysed their results in the days that followed. 

This term each student has written an amazing Scientific Poster which is a summary of their findings, presented in a professional format. We will have these in display around the college in Term 3. 

This excursion is a great day out for the students as well as a fantastic introduction to real world science and also prepares students for  future SACs in Year 12 and any future science studies they may have at university.

Rachel Radford    

Math, Science & VCE Biology Teacher