What is it and why should I do it?
VCE Biology enables students to investigate the processes involved in sustaining life at cellular, system and species levels. In undertaking this study, students develop an understanding that, in the dynamic and interconnected system of life, all change has consequences that may affect an individual, a species or the collective biodiversity of Earth. Students gain insights into how molecular and evolutionary concepts and key science skills underpin much of contemporary biology, and how society applies such skills and concepts to resolve problems and make scientific advancements.
In VCE Biology, students develop and enhance a range of inquiry skills including practical experimentation, research and analytical skills, problem-solving skills including critical and creative thinking, and communication skills. Students pose questions, formulate hypotheses, conduct investigations, and analyse and critically interpret qualitative and quantitative data. They assess
the limitations of data, evaluate methodologies and results, justify their conclusions, make recommendations and communicate their findings. Students use biological knowledge, scientific skills and ethical understanding to investigate and analyse contemporary bioethical issues and communicate their views from an informed position.
VCE Biology provides for continuing study pathways within the discipline and can lead to a range of careers. Branches of biology include botany, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology and zoology. In addition, biology is applied in many fields of human endeavour including bioethics, biotechnology, dentistry, ecology, education, food science, forestry, health care, horticulture, medicine, optometry, physiotherapy and veterinary science. Biologists work in cross-disciplinary areas such as bushfire research, environmental management and conservation, forensic science, geology, medical research and sports science.
Click here to watch Mr Mathieson discuss Biology with Finn Morrissey.
What will I do in class?
Students in Biology will engage in hands on practical work, some of which runs across terms, some of which will be completed within a session. Within this, students will be given the opportunity to create hypotheses, and challenge them by designing fair tests which gather usable data. They will then analyse and evaluate their tests.
They will also be involved in class discussions, engaging with current scientific principles and issues. Students will also be asked to involved themselves in research, whether that is gathering first hand data, or reviewing secondary sources.
There will also be times during which interactive lectures are run, where students will need to ask questions and take notes.
How much homework will I have?
Homework requirements will mainly be student directed. There is an expectation that students create and summarise notes on the content, review their biozone workbooks and complete revision tasks prior to assessments. Most of the learning will happen in a classroom environment through the social construction of ideas.
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
Assessment for Unit 1 and 2 is varied, and consists of at least 5 SAC, test or exam based assessments throughout each semester.
Unit 1 contains 5 Assessments:
- SAC 1: Mitosis Practical Report
- SAC 2: Rask Dissection Task
- SAC 3: Plasmolysis Independent Investigation
- Test: Cellular structures, systems and processes
- Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2 contains
- SAC 1: Solving Inheritance Problems
- SAC 2: Adaptations Test SAC
- SAC 3: Genetic engineering and Bioethics Research Task
- Test: Genetic engineering
- Unit 2 Exam
Satisfactory completion of Unit 1 and 2 will require meeting the learning outcomes via successfully completing all SACs, Tests, and Exams. Students can also demonstrate their understanding by interacting in class activities, appropriate laboratory conduct and skills, engagement with discussions, and completion of provided worksheets or questions.