Biology (ATAR)
Course Outline
Biology is the study of the fascinating diversity of life as it has evolved and as it interacts
and functions. Students will investigate how biological systems and their interactions,
from cellular processes to ecosystem dynamics, have led to biological knowledge and
understanding that enable us to explore and explain everyday observations, find solutions
to biological issues, and understand the processes of biological continuity and change over
time.
Students develop their investigative, analytical and communication skills through field,
laboratory and research investigations of living systems and through critical evaluation
of the development, ethics, applications and influences of contemporary biological
knowledge in a range of contexts.
Studying the Biology ATAR course provides students with a suite of skills and
understandings that are valuable to a wide range of further study pathways and careers.
These include those in medical, veterinary, food and marine sciences, agriculture,
biotechnology, environmental rehabilitation, biosecurity, quarantine, conservation and
eco-tourism. This course will also provide a foundation for students to critically consider
and to make informed decisions about contemporary biological issues.
Structure of the syllabus
The Year 11 syllabus is divided into two units, each of one semester duration.
• Unit 1: Ecosystems & Biodiversity
• Unit 2: From single cells to multicellular organisms
In these units, students investigate and describe a number of diverse ecosystems, exploring
the range of biotic and abiotic components to understand the dynamics, diversity and
underlying unity of these systems. They also investigate how measurements of population
numbers, species diversity and descriptions of species interactions can form the basis for
comparisons between ecosystems and development of conservation strategies. Fieldwork
is an important part of this unit. Students also examine the components of the cell
system and the multiple interacting systems in multicellular organisms. They will develop
an understanding of the ways in which matter moves and energy is transformed and
transferred in cellular systems and examine the structure and function of plant and animal
systems in order to describe the interactions which aid organisms’ survival.
Students may count both Biology and Human Biology counts towards their ATAR
in the 2021 WACE.
Assessment Profile
Assessments include science inquiry (30%), extended responses (10%), tests (20%) and
examinations (40%).
Desirable Qualifications
• Students should have studied and achieved a minimum of a SCSA C grade in Year 10
Science and in Mathematics.
Formal Prerequisites
• Students should have achieved a minimum of a SCSA C grade in Science in Year 10
Contact:
Mr Gary Foster
Head of Science Faculty
[email protected]
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