Biology

“The Christian faith of the early scientists gave them more than presuppositions; it also gave them motivation. They believed that in studying nature they were discovering the wisdom and power of the Creator and were thus honouring Him.” James F. Jekel

OVERVIEW

Biology is the study of created living organisms. Throughout their studies, students consider life down to the molecular level; amino acids, fatty acids, nucleic acids and saccharides. The understanding of these molecules and their interactions allow students to uncover the intelligent design behind specialised cells, leading to complex organ systems and organisms that make up ecosystems. Hereditary is studied as an application within understanding family histories and how our genetic information effects our physical attributes. This is scaffolded to understanding how humans are able to selectively breed and manipulate plants and animals to develop greater crop yield for feeding a growing global population.

Through the study of Biology, students discover the irrefutable intelligent design evident in all levels of life from interacting molecules within cellular reactions through to the complexities of maintaining sustainable ecosystems. Through their studies of evolution, students navigate and debate varying worldviews - seeking to understand the biblical truth written in genetic code. Students write ethics essays on key issues such as abortion, IVF, euthanasia, genetic engineering or cloning to develop arguments to speak the biblical truth in these controversial biological arguments.

SUBJECT LENGTH

9 periods a cycle

TOPICS INCLUDE

UNIT 1:  HOW DO LIVING THINGS STAY ALIVE?

• How Do Organisms Function?
• How Do Living Systems Sustain Life?
• Practical Investigation

UNIT 2:  HOW IS CONTINUITY OF LIFE MAINTAINED?

• How Does Reproduction Maintain The Continuity Of Life?
• How Is Inheritance Explained?
• Investigation of an Issue

UNIT 3:  HOW DO CELLS MAINTAIN LIFE?

• How Do Cellular Processes Work?
• How Do Cells Communicate?

UNIT 4:  HOW DOES LIFE CHANGE AND RESPOND TO CHALLENGES OVER TIME?

• How Are Species Related?
• How Do Humans Impact On Biological Processes?
• Practical Investigation

PREREQUISITES

• Booklist items
• Levy costs
• Biology Units 1 & 2 are a prerequisite of Biology Units 3&4

ASSESSMENT

UNIT 1

For Outcomes 1 and 2 (20% of overall grade each) from a range of:

• A report of a fieldwork activity
• A bioinformatics exercise
• Data analysis
• A test comprising multiple choice and/or short answer and/or extended response

For Outcome 3 (20% of overall grade)

• A report of a student-designed or adapted investigation related to the survival of an organism or a species using an appropriate format, for example a scientific poster, practical report, oral communication or digital presentation

Examination (40% of overall grade)

UNIT 2

For Outcomes 1 and 2 (20% of overall grade each) from a range of:

• A report of a fieldwork activity
• A bioinformatics exercise
• Problem solving involving biological concepts, skills and/or issues
• A test comprising multiple choice and/or short answer and/or extended response
• For Outcome 3 (20% of overall grade each)
• A report of an investigation into genetics and/or reproductive science using an appropriate format, for example, digital presentation, oral communication or written report
• Examination (40% of overall grade each)

UNIT 3 (16% for overall study score)

Outcome 1 (50% of overall grade for Unit 3)

• A report related to at least two practical activities from a practical logbook
• Outcome 2 (50% of overall grade for Unit 3)
• At least one task selected from:
• A bioinformatics exercise
• Data analysis
• A response to a set of structured questions
• Problem solving involving biological concepts, skills and/or issues

UNIT 4 (24% for overall study score)

Outcome 1 (1/3 of overall grade for Unit 4)

• A report using primary or secondary data.
• Outcome 2 (1/3 of overall grade for Unit 4)
• A response to an issue OR A report of a laboratory investigation
• Outcome 3 (1/3 of overall grade for Unit 4)
• A structured scientific poster according to the VCAA template (not exceeding 1000 words)

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination. The examination will contribute 60 %.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10