Biological Science

Why Study Biology? Topics Activities Course Outline Assessment Levels of Achievement Recommendations Careers

Why Study Biology?

Biological Science is the study of the natural systems of the living world. There are two broad aspects to these natural systems. One is concerned with the study of the many different kinds of organisms and their interactions with each other and with the non-living parts of their environment.

The other aspect is the study of the internal structure of organisms and the processes, which maintain life.

The study of Biological Science provides students with an understanding of the ways scientists seek solutions to problems pertaining to the living world and how the processes of science lead to the discovery of new knowledge. It also develops and enhances skills, which can be used to solve problems arising in students' everyday experiences.

It helps students understand the workings of their own bodies and provides them with an interest in the living world around them and an appreciation of their relationships with this world. The study of Biological Science encourages students to consider their responsibilities towards their world.

 

 

Core Topics Found in the Biology course are:

 

•  Organisms, Populations and Communities

•  Ecosystems

•  Diversity of Organisms

•  Cell Biology

•  Physiology of Plants

•  Physiology of Animals

•  Reproduction, Growth and Development

•  Genetics

•  Evolution.

Biological Science is concerned with the study of the phenomenon of life in all its manifestations. It encompasses studies of the origin, development, functioning and evolution of living systems and the consequences of intervention in those systems.

 

What do Students do?

 

Students of Biological Science will participate in a wide range of activities to develop their knowledge of Biological Science and their ability to solve problems arising in their everyday experiences.

The course places considerable emphasis upon practical work conducted within a laboratory and in the field. There is a minimum time commitment for field work of ten hours. During practical activities students learn to examine collected data, suggest hypotheses that explain observations and design and conduct experiments.

 

Course Outline

 

Semester 1 Organisms and their Environmental – a study of ecosystems and biodiversity, ecology, identification of organisms, human influence on ecosystems and conservation.

Semester 2 : Functioning Organisms – a study of the structure in plants and animals and their function, reproduction and development.

Semester 3 : Survival Mechanisms – a study of cells and cellular activity, plant and animal response to internal changes and behaviour.

Semester 4 : Continuity and Change – a study of genetics (including social implications) and Evolution.

 

Assessment Program And Expectations

 

Semester
Type
1

Written Task, Field excursion report. Plant & insect collection (student to collect, euthanase preserve and classify specimens).

2
Written Task, Extended Response to Stimulus Material.
3

Written Task, Extended Experimental Investigation, Extended Response.

4

Written Task, Extended Experimetnal Investigation on Biotechnologies.

Practical Reports and Manipulative Skills Assessment will occur throughout the two year course. Passing of the skills required is compulsory.

Please note : the field excursion in semester 1 is a compulsory syllabus requirement. Costs, in addition to food, were $190 for the North West Island Trip in 2004.

 

Awarding Exit Levels Of Achievement

 

Students will be awarded an exit level of achievement of VHA, HA, SA, LA or VLA as per the syllabus criteria. Students will be issued with the enabling criteria both in their Semester Course Booklets and with each piece of assessment.

Students with unsatisfactory Manipulative Skills may have their overall Level of Achievement lowered to either the lowest rank within their current exit level, or into the level below based on where their current results have them placed.

Failure to submit practical reports or other assessment pieces may result in them receiving a Not Rated for that Semester which may affect their overall OP eligibility.

 

Recommendations

 

Suggested year 10 recommendations

HA Science (level 6B) and HA English

Suggested year 11 Requirements

2 x A4 exercise books

Students are to complete at least 30 minutes of homework per subject three times per week. Extra time will need to be allocated to a regular study program. Textbooks will be supplied to students participating in the text hire scheme.

 

The Study Of Biology Could Lead To Careers In:

 

Acupuncturist
Agricultural engineer
Agricultural technical officer
Agronomist
Ambulance Officer
Anaesthetist
Anatomist
Agricultural Technician
Biochemist
Biological Scientist
Botanist
Cardiac Technologist
Chiropractor
Community Nurse
Dental Hygienist
Dentist
Dietitian
Ecologist
Entomologist
Environmental Health Officer
Ergonomist Farmer/Farm Manager
Fisheries Officer
Fitness Instructor
Food Technologist
Forensic Scientist
Forester
Geneticist
Health Information Manager
Health Services/Hospital Manager
Horticulturist
Landscape Architect
Life Scientist
Marine Scientist
Medical Imaging Technologist
Medical Practitioner
Medical Records aAdministrator
Medical Scientist
Microbiologist
Natural Therapist
Naturopath
Nuclear MedicineTechnologist
Nurse Educator
Nurse – Registered
Nutritionist
Obstetrician
Occupational Therapist
Optometrist
Occupational Health & Safety Officer
Oceanographer
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Physiologist
Physiotherapist
Plastic Surgeon
Prosthetist/Orthotist
Psychologist Radiation Therapist
Rehabilitation Councillor
Speech Pathologist
Sports Coach
Sports Medicine Practitioner
Sports Phycologist
Sports Scientist
Teacher
University Lecturer
Veterinarian
Winemaker
Zoologist

 

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