Biology
Subject Guide
Biology is a diverse and exciting discipline that seeks to understand and discover the nature of life. It examines the dynamic relationships between organisms and how they interact with the non-living environment. The course has been designed to explore a wide range of biological concepts, as well as a number of practical and analytical skills.
The two-year VCE Biology course explores concepts from the molecular world, including cell structure and function, as well as topics related to a whole organism, for example, the formation of tissues and organ systems. Students investigate topics such as reproduction, immunity, gene technologies, medicine and evolution. This will enable them to appreciate the role that biology plays in the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
The scientific skills and knowledge learned in Biology can be transferred to many university and career pathways. This includes food science, biotechnology, physiotherapy, medicine, sports science and more.
Unit focus areas
Unit 1 – How do organisms regulate their functions?
On completion of this unit, students should be able to investigate and explain how cellular structures and systems function to sustain life. This includes: the cell cycle including cell growth, replacement and death of cells and the role of stem cells functioning systems in vascular plants and digestive, endocrine and excretory systems in animals the regulation of systems including water balance in plants, and temperature, blood glucose and water balance in animals.
Unit 2 – How does inheritance impact on diversity?
On completion of this unit, students should have an understanding of how cells and organisms reproduce, as well as a basic understanding of DNA and genetic technologies. This includes: knowledge of DNA, chromosomes, genes, alleles and genomes, as well as genetic disorders and diseases patterns of inheritance across generations reproductive strategies in different organisms behavioural, structural and physiological adaptations of plants and animals the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge and perspectives in understanding adaptations and interdependences in ecosystems.
Unit 3 – How do cells maintain life?
On completion of this unit, students should have an understanding of the cell as a complex chemical system. Students study the workings of the cell from several perspectives. This includes: the expression and regulation of genes to produce functioning proteins biochemical pathways including enzymatic reactions, photosynthesis, cellular respiration the production of biofuels from biomass the potential uses and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies the tools and techniques that are used to manipulate DNA, such recombinant technologies and genetically modified organisms in the production of human insulin.
Unit 4 – How does life change and respond to challenges?
On completion of this unit, students should have an understanding of the continual change and challenges that life on Earth has been subjected to. This includes: the role of the immune system, in terms of detecting and responding to pathogens the role of vaccinations and the distinction between natural and artificial immunity the evidence for relatedness between species including genetic homology, DNA analysis technologies and phylogenetic trees migration and evolution of hominins, including the migration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and their connection to Country and Place.
Pre-requisites
Students undertaking Units 1 and 2 Biology need to have completed Year 10 Science (or equivalent).
Students undertaking Units 3 and 4 Biology need to have completed Units 1 and 2 Biology.
Assessment
For Units 1 and 2, there are six outcomes that contribute to at least 50% of the coursework assessment. There is an examination at the end of the year covering the entire course.
For Units 3 and 4, students complete School-Assessed Coursework that includes an extended practical investigation (50%), and a two-and-a-halfhour end-of-year external examination (50%)
