3a/3b - Churchlands Senior High School

evolution. Students relate the development of evolutionary theory to evidence of evolution frompalaeontology (fossil record), geological time, radioactive dating and biology. The biodiversity thatcurrently exists on the earth is a result of evolutionary processes over time. Students explore thechallenge of maintaining biodiversity through a range of conservation strategies, including modernbiotechnological practices.ASSESSMENTThe types of assessment listed below are consistent with the teaching and learning strategiesconsidered to be the most supportive of student achievement of the outcomes in the BiologicalSciences course:ExaminationsTestsExtended responseInvestigationPractical skillsFieldwork and environmental investigationsCAREER POSSIBILITIESMost tertiary institutions offer science courses with major studies in biology. Successful completion ofthe Biology Course of Study would be an advantage to students wishing to pursue these courses.Many career opportunities exist in the Biological area. Industry, Research and Governmentorganisations all require the services of qualified Biologists.Additional costs (other than subject fees)To complement field work, which is an assessable component of the course, Biology students areexpected to attend all organised excursions. The approximate cost of these excursions is $50.CHEMISTRY 3A/BSUGGESTED PRE-REQUISITESCompletion of Chemistry 2A/2B with a C grade or betterRATIONALEChemistry, the study of matter and its interactions, is an indispensable human activity that hascontributed essential knowledge and understanding of the world around us. Chemical knowledge hasenabled us to understand matter and devise processes for activities such as: cooking and preservingfood; purifying air and water; recycling plastics; anaesthetising patients; creating and buildingcomputers; and communicating with others around the world about chemistry. It has also allowedpeople to design and produce materials for purposes that include: transport and fuels; cosmetic andbeauty products; building products; medical treatments and pharmaceuticals; and cleaning agents. Thesignificant achievements of chemistry stretch across every facet of our lives. However, some may comeat a price if they are not used with the greatest of care. Chemical monitoring tells us that somematerials, that may pose a threat to ourselves and other life forms, have entered the environment.Ongoing developments and improved understanding of chemistry can also be used to solve theseproblems.COURSE CONTENTUnit 3ACHEThe focus for this unit is chemical processes. Students examine relationships between concepts,models and principles, and sustainable chemical practices where industry endeavours to achieve amaximum yield at the lowest possible cost.Unit 3BCHEThe focus for this unit is chemistry and modern lifestyles. In this unit students develop understandingsof complex models that underlie the study of medicines, biochemistry, fuel cells and plastics throughfurther study of equilibrium, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry.26