Biology explores the processes of life, from the molecular world of the cell to that of the whole organism, that maintain life and ensure its continuity.
Students investigate the processes sustaining life at cellular, system, species and ecosystem levels. They examine how life has evolved over time and understand that change has consequences that may affect an individual, a species and biodiversity. Students are given insights into molecular and evolutionary concepts that underpin contemporary biology, and the applications used to resolve problems and make advancements.
Unit 3 must be completed prior to undertaking Unit 4. Students entering Unit 3 without Units 1 and/or 2 may be required to undertake additional preparation as prescribed by their teacher.
Students will investigate the relationship between nucleic acids and proteins and evaluate how tools and techniques can be used to manipulate DNA. They will also examine the biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and analyse biotechnological applications to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis and the use of anaerobic respiration in biofuel production.
Key areas of study include:
What is the role of nucleic acids and proteins in maintaining life?
How are biochemical pathways regulated?
This unit includes the study of the immune system and the interactions between its components to provide immunity to a specific pathogen. We will also compare the different ways that immunity can be acquired and evaluate challenges and strategies in the treatment of disease. Students will also analyse the evidence for genetic changes in populations and changes in species over time, evaluate evidence for relatedness between species and human change over time. Students will be given the opportunity to design and conduct a scientific investigation related to cellular processes and/ or biological change.
Key areas of study include:
How do organisms respond to pathogens?
How are species related over time?
How is scientific enquiry used to investigate cellular processes and/or biological change?
A student practical investigation related to cellular processes and/or biological change and continuity over time is undertaken between Unit 3 and Unit 4 and is assessed in Unit 4, Outcome 3. The findings of the investigation are presented in a scientific poster format. Designated school assessment tasks are provided in the details for each unit in the VCE study design.
The student’s level of achievement in Units 3 and 4 is determined by School-assessed Coursework (SACs) and the end-of-year examination
Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Biology are as follows:
Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 20 per cent
Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework: 30 per cent
End-of-year examination: 50 per cent
For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below:
Students will order the textbook and workbook from the booklist.
Edrolo Units 3 & 4 Biology Resource will be purchased and distributed to students by the school (this will be charged on your College account)