Biology

Course summary

Year 12 course outline Biology, not just the study of Life, but the study of people and how the amazing body functions and fits within the natural world. Through detailed study of biological molecules and cells, students will learn about the common chemistry and features shared by all life on Earth and how this provides indirect evidence for evolution. They will also learn how survival in any environment is only possible because organisms are able to move substances across membranes and exchange them with the environment. Lastly, students will gain a deeper understanding of how the genetic diversity, that arises from mutations in DNA, enables natural selection to create the biological diversity that has made the natural world so complex, beautiful and intriguing. Year 13 course outline Building biological knowledge and scientific skills, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of continuous transfers of energy to all life. They will learn the means by which organisms detect and respond to change in both their internal and external environments and study population genetics, evolution and ecosystems, gaining a greater understanding of the common chemistry of physiological pathways and the universality of the genetic code. Differences in the DNA ultimately lead to the evolution of new species and students will learn about the factors that affect their success. The control and expression of the genetic code continues to be explored at the cutting edge of science. They will learn about the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, how humans are discovering means to control it and use it in many medical and technological applications. Students will also gain an appreciation of the use of DNA technology in the diagnosis and treatment of many human diseases.