Year 12 Biological Sciences 3AB
Overview
Biological sciences at Year 12 is taught at Stage 3 and this course is designed for students who are interested in biology, or related disciplines, as well as those students who wish to pursue careers related to biology. The course extends the knowledge and understandings of Stage 2AB Biological Sciences.
Topics
A general concept, which run throughout the course, is working as a biologist, (planning and conducting biological research, and evaluating and communicating as a biologist).
UNIT 3A
- Ecosystems: biodiversity and sustainability (Biodiversity, ecosystems, Environmental issues and human impact )
- The functioning organism (Photosynthesis, respiration, energy transfer, control of cellular activities, homeostasis, Homeostasis in animals, Water balance and temperature regulation in vascular plants)
UNIT 3B
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Ecosystems: biodiversity and sustainability (Conservation
)
- Continuity of species (DNA, Recombinant DNA technology, Applications of DNA technologies, Variation, Isolation, Selection, Speciation/evolutions, Evidence for evolution)
Assessments
Tests and Examinations: 20% | Investigations and Practical tasks: 20% | Explanations 20% | Mid-year and end-year examinations: 40%
Reporting
A brief interim report on class work and behaviour will be issued towards the end of Term 1. The achievement for each unit will be reported as a College A-E grade as well as a percentage mark for the unit and an examination mark. In addition, the student's approach to class work and behaviour will be reported via the usual key performance indicators
Student Expectations
Many of the lessons will be presented in an interactive lecture style. As such, students will be expected to take brief notes during class and then make a more detailed summary at night. All presentations given to students will be available to them through Simon, under the appropriate "Learning Area". Furthermore, there will be homework and examination practice exercises given through the year. Homework will comprise a proportion of the final assessable mark for this Course of Study.
