LEVEL: Stage 1
SACE Credits: 10 credits
LENGTH: 1 Semester
Students can choose to do Biology A or Biology B or do both.
Recommended background:
Successful completion of Year 10 Science. Biology A is not a prerequisite for Biology B.
Content:
In Stage 1 students learn about the structure and function of cells and microorganisms and how microorganisms may cause disease but also have a significant role in industry and the environment. They have the opportunity to engage with the work of biologists and to join and initiate debates about how biology impacts on their lives, society, and the environment.
Students design, conduct, gather, and analyse evidence in biological investigations.
As they explore the interaction between science and society, students recognise that the body of biological knowledge is constantly changing and increasing through the application of new ideas and technologies.
The topics for Stage 1 Biology B are:
Infectious Disease (Biology B):
In this topic, students examine the various agents that can cause infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial, and other parasitic pathogens. Students examine how infectious disease agents spread, enter hosts, and cause immune responses. They make comparisons to the function of immune systems in other organisms.
Students examine the structure and function of the main components of the immune system: physical barriers, the innate (non-specific) system, and the specific responses of the adaptive or acquired system. Students learn that pathogens cause changes that enable memory for future immune response.
Students study how biotechnology has contributed not only to the understanding of the human immune system, but also to the development of vaccinations and other advances in the treatment of disease.
Students evaluate the impact that infectious diseases have on populations across the global community, including factors that affect spread, control, and treatment of infectious disease. They explore how different scientific disciplines and experts in other fields (such as mathematics) work together to model problems related to the spread of disease and formulate solutions.
Multicellular Organisms (Biology B):
In this topic, students examine the structure and function of various multicellular organisms as well as the hierarchical structure of organisms, and look at the arrangement and characteristics of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. They explore the concept of change resulting in cell differentiation and gene expression.
Students consider the structure and function of various organ systems that facilitate the exchange of materials in human beings and other species, including specific attributes of the circulatory, respiratory, excretory, and digestive systems in animals.
Plants are also important multicellular organisms that provide a source of food for many animal species. Students investigate the factors that affect plant growth and learn about the structure and function of leaves and their role in photosynthesis. Xylem and phloem are important tissues in plants that are responsible for water and nutrient transport.
Students develop an understanding of how biotechnology has contributed to the understanding of how systems within multicellular organism function together, but also to how it has enabled new development of medical treatments based on genetic factors.
By investigating the effects of lifestyle choices, new medical treatments, and organ donation, students extend their ethical understanding and personal and social capability.
Assessment:
Students’ performance will be determined according to the SACE Performance Standards. Grades A to E will be used for reporting purposes.
For a 10-credit subject, students undertake four assessment tasks including:
- At least one practical investigation (i.e. experiment and report)
- One investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavor, and
- At least one skills and applications task (i.e. test or similar assessment item).
Leads to: Stage 2 Biology