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.
Students will explore and compare various cell types and relate cellular structure to function. They will also analyse the cell cycle, cell growth, death and differentiation. Students will gain insight into the specialisation of plant and animal cellular structures and analyse how these specific systems are regulated. Students will also be given the opportunity to design and conduct a scientific investigation related to the functioning of a cell or system.
Areas of Study include:
How do cells function?
How do plant and animal systems function?
How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how organisms regulate their functions?
Students explore reproduction and the transmission of biological information from generation to generation. They will consider how the relationship between genes and the environment and epigenetic factors influence phenotypic expression. Students will explain the inheritance of characteristics, analyse patterns of inheritance, interpret pedigree charts and predict outcomes of genetic crosses. They should also be able to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of various reproductive strategies and evaluate how adaptations enhance survival of species within an ecosystem. Students will be given the opportunity to conduct a research investigation into a contemporary bioethical issue.
Areas of Study include:
How is inheritance explained?
How do inherited adaptations impact on diversity?
How do humans use science to explore and communicate contemporary bioethical issues?
Student assessment will be based on internally set and corrected school-assessed coursework.
Assessment tasks will be selected from a range of tasks including:
a report of fieldwork activity,
report of an investigation into genetics
maintaining a logbook of practical activities
practical reports
tests
bioinformatics exercises, analyses of data and problem solving tasks
end-of-semester examination
For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below:
Students will order the textbook and workbook from the booklist.
Edrolo Units 1 & 2 Biology Resource will be purchased and distributed to students by the school (this will be charged on your College account)