SENIOR HANDBOOK for 2012

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Why study Biological Science?
Biology is the study of life in its manifestations. It encompasses studies of the origin, development, diversity,
functioning and evolution of living systems and the consequences of intervention in those systems.
Biology is characterised by a view of life as a unique phenomenon with fundamental unity. The study of biology
provides students with opportunities to:
Gain insight into the scientific manner of investigating problems pertaining to the living world
Experience the processes of science that leads to the discovery of new knowledge
Develop a deeper understanding and aesthetic appreciation of the living world
Prerequisites
Students should have achieved a “B” result or higher in the Biology unit of Year 10 Extension Science and a “B”
result or better in English.
Course Content
Over two years, students will study areas of Biological Science including:
Animal and Plant Physiology
Reproduction
Ecology
Disease
Cell Structure
Evolution
Genetics
Gene Technology
Marine Biology
The field studies unit is a compulsory element. This involves two days at Paluma and one day at Magnetic Island.
Assessment
There are four different types of assessment tasks:
1. Written Task
Tasks may be conducted under exam conditions. Tasks can include short response, multiple choice, longer
response, interpreting graphs, tables, diagrams and data.
2. Extended Response
Written assignments / responses to stimulus material (800-1000 word length)
Oral presentation / multimedia presentation (time 10 minutes)
3. Field Data Analysis – 2 days with one nights at Paluma. 1 day at Magnetic Island.
A Collection of Organisms
Scientific Report
Field Report and Analysis of Data
4. Extended Experimental Investigation
This involves an open-ended experimental design. Task length may vary from a few weeks to several
months. Journal style record keeping validates the investigation.
Additional Information
Regular reading or written homework is set. There is a compulsory Field Studies component in the course which
involves a camp and additional field work. Students who do not complete the field studies may not be awarded
a result in that component of the course. Cost for 2011 was approximately $120. Students will also be required
to purchase a workbook each year at an approximate cost of $35.
Career Paths
Those choosing to study Biology will find it helpful in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy and other health
areas, food and nutrition studies, biotechnology, microbiology, land care, ecotourism, zoology and numerous
other fields.
St Margaret Mary’s College Senior Handbook for 2012 Page 36